WILHELM   MEISTER'S  TRAVELS 

THE   RECREATIONS   OF  THE   GERMAN 
EMIGRANTS 


i  nu  vtd  man  viewed  it  with  attention  " 

"hotogravure  from  the  painting  by  F.  Ciruetzner 


t!rrat)cl0 


AND 


€l)c  mccrcatioujs^  of  tl)c  d^crman 
Cmigrantjs 


BY 


J.  W.  von  Goethe 

Translated  by 

Thomas   Carlyle 


^ 

^^fS;\f^^- 

Edited  by  Nathan  Haskell  Dole 

Boston    J-    Francis    A,    Niccolls 
&     Com  pan        J-    Publishers 


lEtiitton  ©e  (^ranti  Huxe 

This  Edition  is  Limited  to  Two  Hundred  and  Fifty 
Copies,  of  which  this  is  copy 

No- 5.5 


Copyright,  igo2 
By  Francis  A.  Niccolls  &  Co. 


(Colonial  ^rees 

Electrotyped  and  Printed  by  C.  H.  Simonds  &  Co. 

Boston,  Mass.,  U.  S.  A. 


SKLF 
URL 


List   of  Illustrations 


PAGE 


"  The  old  man  viewed  it  with  attention  "  (See 

page  72) Frontispiece 

"'Here  are  accordingly  some  letters'"     .         .       49 

MiGNON  and  the  Harper 127 

"  She  invited  him  to  sit  by  her  "  .         .         .         .     236 
"  She  granted  him  access  to  her  house  "    .         .     278 


Meister's  Travels. 


Wilhelm    Meister's   Travels; 
or.  The  Renunciants 

A  Novel 


To  travel  now  the  Apprentice  does  essay, 

And  every  step  is  girt  with  doubt  and  danger : 

In  truth,  he  uses  not  to  sing  or  pray ; 

But,  in  his  path  perplexed,  this  toilsome  ranger 

Does  turn  an  earnest  eye,  when  mist's  above  him, 

To  his  own  heart,  and  to  the  hearts  that  love  him. 


Scarce  could  tell  yon  rightly 

Whether  I'm  the  same  or  not, 
If  you  task  me  very  tightly  : 

Yes,  this  is  my  sense  you've  got,  — 
Sense  that  vexes,  then  assuages. 

Now  too  light  and  now  too  dark, 
But  in  some  few  hundred  pages 

May  again  come  to  the  mark. 


Does  Fortune  try  thee  ?     She  had  cause  to  do't : 
She  wished  thee  temperate  ;  obey,  be  mute  ! 

What,  shap'st  thou  here  at  the  world  !  'tis  shapeu  long  ago ; 

The  Maker  shaped  it,  he  thought  it  best  even  so  : 

Thy  lot  is  appointed,  go  follow  its  best  ; 

Thy  way  is  begun,  thou  must  walk,  and  not  rest : 

For  sorrow  and  care  cannot  alter  thy  case  ; 

And  running,  not  raging,  will  win  thee  the  race. 

Enweri  tells  us,  a  most  royal  man, 
The  deepest  heart  and  highest  head  to  scan  : 
*'  In  every  place,  at  every  time,  thy  surest  chance 
Lies  in  decision,  justice,  tolerance." 

My  inheritance,  how  wide  and  fair  I 
Time  is  my  estate  :  to  time  I'm  heir. 

Now  it  is  day :  be  doing,  every  one  ; 

For  the  night  cometh,  wherein  work  can  none. 


And  so  T,  in  Tale  adjoining, 

Lift  old  treasures  into  day  ; 

If  not  gold  or  perfect  coining, 

They  are  metals  any  way  : 

Thou  canst  sort  them,  thou  canst  sunder, 

Thou  canst  melt  and  make  them  one  ; 

Then  take  that  with  smiling  wonder, 

Stamp  it  like  thyself,  my  son. 


Wilhelm   Meister's   Travels; 

or.  The  Renunciants 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   FLIGHT   INTO   EGYPT. 

WiLiiELM  was  sitting  under  the  shadow  of  a  huge 
crag,  on  a  shaggy,  impressive  spot,  where  the  steep 
mountain  path  turned  abruptly  round  a  corner,  down 
into  the  chasm.  The  sun  was  still  high,  and  brighten- 
ing the  tops  of  the  pine-trees  in  the  clefts  at  his  feet. 
He  was  looking  at  something  in  his  note-book,  when 
Felix,  who  had  been  clambering  about,  came  to  him 
with  a  stone  in  his  hand.  "  What  is  the  name  of  this 
stone,  father  ?  "  said  the  boy. 

"  I  know  not,"  answered  Wilhelm. 

"  Can  this  be  gold  tliat  glitters  in  it  so  ? "  said 
FeUx. 

"  No,  no,"  replied  Wilhelm  ;  "  and  now  I  remember, 
people  call  it  mica,  or  cat-gold." 

"  Cat-gold  ! "  said  the  boy,  smiling.     «  And  why  ? " 

"  I  suppose  because  it  is  false,  and  cats  are  reckoned 
false  too." 

"Well,  I  will  note  that,"  said  the  son,  and  put  in 
the  stone  beside  the  rest  with  which  he  had  already 
filled  his  pockets. 

Scarcely  was  this  over  when,  adown  the  steep  path, 
a  strange  enough  appearance  came  in  sight.     Two  boys, 


2  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

beautiful  as  day,  in  coloured  jackets  which  you  might 
have  taken  for  outer  shirts,  came  bounding  down,  one 
after  the  other ;  and  Wilhelm  had  opportunity  of  view- 
ing them  more  closely,  as  they  faltered  on  observing 
him,  and  stopped  for  a  moment.  Bound  the  elder 
boy's  head  waved  rich,  fair  locks,  which  you  looked  at 
first,  on  observing  him;  and  then  his  clear  blue  eyes 
attracted  your  attention,  which  spread  itself  with  de- 
light over  his  beautiful  shape.  The  younger,  more  hke 
a  friend  than  a  brother,  was  decked  with  brown,  sleek 
hair,  which  hung  down  over  his  shoulders,  and  the 
reflection  of  which  appeared  to  be  imaged  in  his  eyes. 

These  strange,  and,  in  this  wilderness,  quite  unex- 
pected, beings,  Wilhelm  had  not  time  to  view  more 
narrowly ;  for  he  heard  a  man's  voice  calHng  down 
round  the  corner  of  the  crag,  in  a  serious,  but  friendly, 
tone,  "  Why  do  you  stand  still  ?     Don't  stop  the  way." 

Wilhelm  looked  upwards ;  and,  if  the  children  had 
surprised  him,  what  he  now  saw  filled  him  with  aston- 
ishment. A  stout,  firm-set,  not  too  tall,  young  man, 
tucked  up  for  walking,  of  brown  complexion  and  black 
hair,  w^as  stepping  firmly  and  carefully  down  the  rock- 
way,  and  leading  an  ass  behind  him,  which  first  pre- 
sented its  glossy,  well-trimmed  head,  and  then  the  fair 
burden  it  bore.  A  soft,  lovely  woman  was  seated  on 
a  large  and  well-panelled  saddle :  in  her  arms,  within 
a  blue  mantle  which  hung  over  her,  lay  an  infant, 
which  she  was  pressing  to  her  breast,  and  looking  at 
with  indescribable  tenderness.  The  man  did  as  the 
children  had  done,  —  faltered  for  a  moment  at  sight  of 
Wilhelm.  The  beast  slackened  its  step,  but  the  de- 
scent was  too  precipitous :  the  travellers  could  not 
halt ;  and  Wilhelm  with  astonishment  saw  them  vanish 
behind  the  contiguous  wall  of  rocks. 

Nothing  was  more  natural  than  that  this  singular 
procession  should  cut  short  liis  meditations.  He  rose 
in  no  small  curiosity,  and   looked   from   his    position 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  3 

toward  the  chasm,  to  see  whether  they  would  not 
again  make  then-  appearance  somewhere  below.  He 
was  just  about  descending  to  salute  these  strange 
travellers,  when  Felix  came  cHmbing  up,  and  said, 
"  Father,  may  I  not  go  home  with  these  boys  to  their 
house?  They  want  to  take  me  with  them.  Thou 
must  go  too,  the  man  said  to  me.  Come!  they  are 
waiting  down  there." 

"  I  will  speak  with  them,"  answered  Wilhelm. 

He  found  them  at  a  place  where  the  path  was  more 
level,  and  he  could  not  but  gaze  in  wonder  at  the 
singular  figures  which  had  so  strongly  attracted  his 
attention.  Not  till  now  had  it  been  in  his  power  to 
note  the  peculiarities  of  the  group.  The  young,  stout 
man,  he  found,  had  a  joiner's  axe  on  his  shoulder,  and 
a  long,  thin  iron  square.  The  children  bore  in  their 
hands  large  sedge-tufts,  like  palms;  and  if,  in  this 
point,  they  resembled  angels,  they  likewise  carried 
little  baskets  with  shop- wares  in  them,  thereby  resem- 
bling the  little  daily  posts,  as  they  pass  to  and  fro 
over  the  mountains.  The  mother,  also,  he  observed, 
on  looking  more  leisurely,  wore  under  her  blue  mantle 
a  reddish,  mild-coloured,  lower  garment :  so  that  "  The 
Flight  into  Egypt,"  which  our  friend  had  so  often  seen 
painted,  he  now,  with  amazement,  saw  bodied  forth 
before  his  eyes. 

The  strangers  exchanged  salutations  ;  and  as  Wil- 
helm, from  surprise  and  attention,  could  not  speak,  the 
young  man  said,  "  Our  children  have  formed  a  friend- 
ship in  these  few  moments.  Will  you  go  with  us  to 
see  whether  some  kind  relation  vdll  not  spring  up 
between  the  elder  parties  also  ? " 

Wilhelm  bethought  himself  an  instant,  and  then 
answered,  "  The  aspect  of  your  little  family  procession 
awakens  trust  and  good-will,  and,  to  confess  it  frankly, 
curiosity  no  less,  and  a  Hvely  desire  to  be  better  ac- 
quainted with  you.     For,  at  the  first  glance,  one  might 


4  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

ask  himself  the  question,  Whether  you  are  real  travel- 
lers, or  only  spirits  that  take  pleasure  in  enhvening 
these  uninhabitable  mountains  by  pleasant  visions  ?  " 

"  Then,  come  home  with  us  to  our  dwelling,"  said 
the  other.  "  Come  with  us  !  "  cried  the  children,  already 
drawing  Fehx  along  with  them.  "  Come  with  us ! " 
said  the  woman,  turning  her  soft  kindliness  from  the 
suckling  to  the  stranger. 

Without  reflecting,  Wilhelm  answered,  "  I  am  sorry, 
that,  for  the  present  moment,  I  cannot  follow  you. 
This  night,  at  least,  I  must  spend  up  at  the  Border- 
house.  My  portmanteau,  my  papers,  —  all  is  lying  up 
there,  unpacked,  entrusted  to  no  one.  But,  that  I  may 
prove  my  wish  and  purpose  to  satisfy  your  friendly 
invitation,  take  my  Fehx  with  you  as  a  pledge.  To- 
morrow I  shall  see  you.     How  far  is  it  ?  " 

«  We  shall  be  home  before  sunset,"  said  the  carpen- 
ter; "and  from  the  Border-house  you  are  but  a  league 
and  a  half.  Your  boy  increases  our  household  for 
this  night,  and  tomorrow  we  expect  you." 

The  man  and  the  animal  set  forth.  Wilhelm  smiled 
thoughtfully  to  see  his  Felix  so  soon  received  among 
the  angels.  The  boy  had  already  seized  a  sedge  tuft, 
and  taken  the  basket  from  the  younger  of  his  com- 
panions. The  procession  was  again  on  the  point  of 
vanishing  behind  a  ledge  of  rock,  when  Wilhelm  rec- 
ollected himself,  and  cried,  "  But  how  shall  I  inquire 
you  out  ? " 

"  Ask  for  St.  Joseph ! "  sounded  from  the  hollow ; 
and  the  whole  vision  had  sunk  behind  the  blue,  shady 
wall  of  cliffs.  A  pious  hymn,  uplifted  on  a  chorus  of 
several  voices,  rose  echoing  from  the  distance;  and 
Wilhelm  thought  he  could  distinguish  the  voice  of 
his  Felix  among  the  rest. 

He  ascended  the  path,  and  thus  protracted  the 
period  of  sunset,  the  heavenly  star,  which  he  had 
more  than  once  lost  sight  of,  illuminated  him  afresh 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  5 

as  he  mounted  higher ;  and  it  was  still  day  when  he 
reached  his  inn.  Once  more  he  delighted  himself  with 
the  vast  mountain  prospect,  then  withdrew  to  his 
chamber,  where  immediately  he  seized  his  pen,  and 
passed  a  part  of  the  niglit  in  writing. 

Wilhelm  to  Natalia. 

Now  at  last  I  have  reached  the  summit,  —  the 
summit  of  the  mountains,  which  will  place  a  stronger 
separation  betwixt  us  than  all  the  tract  I  had  passed 
over  before.  To  my  feeling,  one  is  still  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  those  he  loves,  so  long  as  the  streams  run 
down  from  him  toward  them.  To-day  I  can  still  fancy 
to  myself  that  the  twig  which  I  cast  into  the  forest- 
brook  may,  perhaps,  float  down  to  her,  may  in  a  few 
days  land  at  her  garden ;  and  thus  our  spirit  sends 
its  images  more  easily,  our  heart  its  sympathies,  by 
the  same  downward  course.  But  over  on  the  other 
side  I  fear  there  rises  a  wall  of  division  against  the 
imagination  and  the  feelings.  Yet  this,  perhaps,  is 
but  a  vain  anxiety ;  for  over  on  the  other  side,  after 
all,  it  will  not  be  otherwise  than  it  is  here.  What 
could  part  me  from  thee !  From  thee,  whose  own 
I  am  for  ever ;  though  a  strange  destiny  sunders  me 
from  thee,  and  unexpectedly  shut«  the  heaven  to  which 
I  stood  so  near.  I  had  time  to  compose  myself ;  and 
yet  no  time  could  have  sufficed  to  give  me  that  com- 
posure, had  I  not  gained  it  from  thy  mouth,  from  thy 
lips,  in  that  decisive  moment.  How  could  I  have 
torn  myself  away,  if  the  enduring  thread  had  not  been 
spun  which  is  to  unite  us  for  time  and  eternity  ?  Yet 
I  must  not  speak  of  all  this.  Thy  tender  commands 
I  will  not  break :  on  this  mountain-top  be  it  the  last 
time  that  I  name  the  word  Separation  before  thee! 
My  Hfe  is  to  become  a  restless  wandering.  Strange 
duties  of  the  wanderer  have  I  to  fulfil,  and  pecuHar 


6  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

trials  to  undergo.  How  I  often  smile  within  myself 
when  I  read  the  terms  which  thou  prescribedst  to  me, 
which  I  prescribed  to  myself.  Many  of  them  have 
been  kept,  many  broken;  but,  even  while  breaking 
them,  this  sheet  is  of  use  to  me,  this  testimonial  of  my 
last  confession,  —  of  my  last  absolution :  it  speaks  to 
me  as  an  authoritative  conscience,  and  I  again  turn 
to  the  right  path.  I  watch  myself;  and  my  faults 
no  longer  rush  hke  mountain  torrents,  one  over  the 
other. 

Yet  I  will  confess  to  thee  I  many  times  wonder  at 
those  teachers  and  guides  of  men  who  impose  on 
their  scholars  nothing  but  external,  mechanical  duties. 
They  make  the  task  hght  for  themselves  as  well  as 
for  the  world.  For  this  very  part  of  my  obligations, 
which  at  first  seemed  the  heaviest,  the  strangest,  I  now 
observe  wdth  greatest  ease,  with  greatest  satisfaction. 

I  am  not  to  stay  beyond  three  days  under  one  roof. 
I  am  to  quit  no  inn  without  removing  at  least  one 
league  from  it.  These  regulations  are,  in  truth,  calcu- 
lated to  make  my  Hfe  a  life  of  travel,  and  to  prevent 
the  smallest  thought  of  settlement  from  taking  hold 
of  me.  Hitherto  I  have  fulfilled  this  condition  to  the 
letter,  not  even  using  all  the  liberty  it  grants  me. 
This  is  the  first  time  that  I  have  paused:  here,  for 
the  first  time,  I  sleep  three  nights  in  the  same  bed. 
From  this  spot  I  send  thee  much  that  I  have  heard, 
observed,  laid  up  for  thee ;  and  early  in  the  morning 
I  descend  on  the  other  side,  —  in  the  first  place,  to 
a  strange  family,  I  might  almost  say,  a  Holy  Family, 
of  which,  in  my  journal,  thou  wilt  find  further  notice. 
For  the  present,  farewell ;  and  lay  down  this  sheet 
with  the  feeling  that  it  has  but  one  thing  to  say,  but 
one  thing  which  it  would  say  and  repeat  for  ever ;  yet 
will  not  say  it,  will  not  repeat  it  now,  till  I  have  once 
more  the  happiness  of  lying  at  thy  feet,  and  weeping 
over  thy  hands  for  all  that  I  renounce. 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  7 

MOKNING. 
My  packing  is  done.  The  porter  is  girding  the 
portmanteau  on  his  dorsel.  As  yet,  the  sun  is  not 
up :  vap(jurs  are  streaming  out  of  all  the  hollows,  but 
the  upper  sky  is  clear.  We  step  down  into  the  gloomy 
deeps,  which  also  will  soon  brighten  over  our  heads. 
Let  me  send  my  last  sigh  home  to  thee !  Let  my  last 
look  toward  thee  be  yet  blinded  with  involuntary 
tears !  1  am  decided  and  determined.  Thou  shalt 
hear  no  more  complaints  from  me :  thou  shalt  hear 
only  what  happens  to  the  wanderer.  And  yet  now, 
when  I  am  on  the  point  of  ending,  a  thousand  thoughts, 
wishes,  hopes,  and  purposes  come  crowding  through 
my  soul.  Happily  the  people  force  me  away.  The 
porter  calls  me;  and  mine  host  has  already  in  my 
presence  begun  sorting  the  apartment,  as  if  I  were 
gone:  thus  feelingless,  imprudent  heirs  do  not  hide 
from  the  departing  testator  their  preparations  for 
assuming  management. 


CHAPTEE  11. 

ST.    JOSEPH    THE    SECOND. 

Already  had  the  wanderer,  following  his  porter 
on  foot,  left  the  steep  rocks  behind  and  above  him : 
already  were  they  traversing  a  softer  mid-range  of 
hills,  and  hastening  through  many  a  well-pruned  wood, 
over  many  a  friendly  meadow,  forward  and  forward ; 
till  at  last  they  found  themselves  on  a  declivity,  and 
looked  down  into  a  beautifully  cultivated  valley,  begirt 
on  all  sides  with  hills.  A  large  monastic  edifice,  half 
in  ruins,  half  in  repair,  immediately  attracted  their 
attention.  "  This  is  St.  Joseph,"  said  the  porter.  "  Pity 
for  the  fine  church !  Do  but  look  how  fresh  and  firm 
it  still  holds  up  its  pillars  through  bush  and  tree, 
though  it  has  lain  many  hundred  years  in  decay." 

"  The  cloister,  on  the  contrary,"  said  Wilhelm,  "  I 
observe,  is  kept  in  good  state." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  other :  "  there  is  a  Scliaffner  lives  here ; 
he  manages  the  husbandry,  collects  the  dues  and  tithes, 
which  the  people  far  and  wide  have  to  pay  him." 

So  speaking  they  had  entered  through  the  open  gate 
into  a  spacious  court,  surrounded  with  earnest-looking, 
well-kept  buildings,  and  announcing  itself  as  the  resi- 
dence of  some  peaceful  community.  Among  the  children 
playing  in  the  area,  Wilhelm  noticed  Felix :  the  other 
two  were  the  angels  of  last  night.  The  friendly  trefoil 
came  running  toward  him  with  salutations,  and  assur- 
ances that  papa  would  soon  be  back.  He,  in  the 
meanwhile,  they  said,  must  go  into  the  hall,  and  rest 
himself. 

8 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  9 

How  surprised  was  Wilheliii  when  the  children  led 
him  into  this  apartment  which  they  named  the  hall. 
Passing  directly  from  the  court,  through  a  large  door, 
our  wanderer  found  himself  in  a  very   cleanly,   unde- 
cayed  chapel,  which  however,  as  he  saw  well  enough, 
had  been  fitted  up  for  the  domestic  uses  of  daily  life. 
On  the  one  side  stood  a  table,  a  settle,  some  chairs 
and  benches ;  on  the  other  side  a  neatly  carved  dresser, 
with    variegated    pottery,    jugs,    and    glasses.       Some 
chests  and  trunks  were  stanc'ing  in  suitable  niches : 
and,   simple   as    the   whole    appeared,   there   was    not 
wanting  an  air  of  comfort;  and  daily  household  life 
looked    forth   from    it   with  an    aspect    of    invitation. 
The  light  fell  in  from  high  windows  on  the  side.     But 
what  most  roused  the  attention  of  the  wanderer  was 
a  series  of  coloured  figures  painted  on  the  wall,  stretch- 
ing under  the  windows,  at  a  considerable  height,  round 
three-quarters  of  the  chapel,  and  hanging  down  to  the 
wainscot,  which   covered  the  remainder  of   the   wall 
to  the  ground.     The  pictures  represented  the  history 
of  St.  Joseph.     Here  you  might  see  him  first  employed 
with  his  carpentry  work :  here  he  meets  Mary ;  and 
a  lily  is  sprouting   from  the  ground  between  them, 
while  angels  hover  round  observing  them.     Here  his 
betrothing  takes  place :  next  comes  the  salutation  of 
the  angel.     Here  he  is  sitting  disconsolate  among  his 
neglected  work :  he  has  laid  by  the  axe,  and  is  think- 
ing to  put  away  his  wife.     But  now  appears  the  angel 
to  him  in  a  dream,  and  his  situation  changes.     With 
reverence   he    looks    on    the    new-born    child    in    the 
stable  at  Bethlehem,  and  prays  to  it.     Soon  after  this 
comes  a  wonderfully  beautiful  picture.     You  observe  a 
quantity  of  timber  lying  dressed :  it  is  just  to  be  put 
together,  and  by  chance  two  of  the  pieces  form  a  cross. 
The  child  has  fallen  asleep  on  the  cross;  his  mother 
sits  by,  and  looks  at  him  with  heartfelt  love ;  and  the 
foster-father  pauses  with  his  labour,  that  he  may  not 


lo  MEISTER'S   TRAVELS 

awakeu  him.  Next  follows  the  flight  into  Egypt :  it 
called  forth  a  smile  from  the  gazing  traveller,  for  he 
saw  here  on  the  walls  a  repetition  of  the  living  figures 
he  had  met  last  night. 

He  had  not  long  pursued  his  contemplations,  when 
the  landlord  entered,  whom  he  directly  recognised  as 
the  leader  of  the  Holy  Caravan.  They  saluted  each 
other  cordially :  much  conversation  followed,  yet  Wil- 
helm's  chief  attention  continued  fixed  on  the  pictures. 
The  host  observed  the  feehng  of  his  guest,  and  began 
with  a  smile,  "  No  doubt  you  are  wondering  at  the 
strange  accordance  of  this  building  with  its  inhabitants, 
whom  you  last  night  got  acquainted  with.  Yet  it  is,  per- 
haps, still  more  singular  than  you  suppose :  the  building 
has,  in  truth,  formed  the  inhabitants.  For,  when  the 
inanimate  has  life,  it  can  also  produce  what  has  life." 

"  Yes,  indeed  ! "  answered  Wilhelm :  "  I  should  be 
surprised  if  the  spirit,  which  worked  so  powerfully  in 
this  mountain  solitude  long  centuries  ago,  and  drew 
round  it  such  a  mighty  body  of  edifices,  possessions, 
and  rights,  diffusing  in  return  the  blessings  of  manifold 
culture  over  the  region,  could  not  still,  out  of  these 
ruins,  manifest  the  force  of  its  life  on  some  living 
being.  But  let  us  not  linger  on  general  reflections: 
make  me  acquainted  with  your  history ;  let  me  know 
how  it  can  possibly  have  happened,  that,  without  affec- 
tation and  presumption,  the  past  again  represents  itself 
in  you,  and  what  was,  again  is." 

Just  as  Wilhelm  was  expecting  responsive  informa- 
tion from  the  lips  of  his  host,  a  friendly  voice  in  the 
court  cried,  "  Joseph  ! "  The  man  obeyed  it,  and  went 
out. 

"  So  he,  too,  is  Joseph ! "  said  Wilhelm  to  himseK. 
"  This  is  strange  enough,  and  yet  not  so  strange  as  that 
in  his  life  he  should  personate  his  saint."  At  the 
same  time,  looking  through  the  door,  he  saw  the  Vir- 
gin Mother  of  last  night  speaking  with  her  husband. 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  H 

They  parted  at  last:  the  woman  walked  toward  the 
opposite  building.     "  Mary,"  cried  he  after  her,  "  a  word 

more." 

"So  she,  too,  is  Mary!"  said  Wilhelm  inwardly. 
"  Little  would  make  ma  feel  as  if  I  were  transported 
eighteen  hundred  years  into  the  past!"  He  thought 
of  the  solemn  and  secluded  valley  in  which  he  was,  of 
the  wrecks  and  silence  all  around ;  and  a  strange,  anti- 
quarian mood  came  over  him.  It  was  time  for  the 
landlord  and  children  to  come  in.  The  latter  called 
for  Wilhelm  to  go  and  walk,  as  the  landlord  had  still 
some  business  to  do.  And  now  came  in  view  the 
ruins  of  the  church,  with  its  many  shafts  and  columns, 
with  its  high  peaks  and  walls;  which  looked  as  if 
gathering  strength  in  the  influence  of  wind  and 
weather;  for  strong  trees  from  of  old  had  taken  root 
in  the  broad  backs  of  the  walls,  and  now,  in  company 
with  grass,  flowers,  and  moss  in  great  quantities,  exhib- 
ited bold  hanging  gardens  vegetating  in  the  air.  Soft 
sward-paths  led  you  up  the  banks  of  a  lively  brook; 
and  from  a  little  elevation  our  wanderer  could  now 
overlook  the  edifice  and  its  site  with  more  interest,  as 
its  occupants  had  become  still  more  singular  in  his 
eyes,  and  by  their  harmony  with  their  abode  had 
awakened  his  Hveliest  curiosity. 

The  promenaders  returned,  and  found  in  the  religious 
hall  a  table  standing  covered.  At  the  upper  end  was 
an  armchair,  in  which  the  mistress  of  the  house  took 
her  seat.  Beside  her  she  had  placed  a  high  wicker- 
cradle,  in  which  lay  the  little  infant:  the  father  sat 
next  this  on  her  left  hand,  Wilhelm  on  her  right.  The 
three  children  occupied  the  under  space  of  the  table. 
An  eld  serving-maid  brought  in  a  well-readied  meal. 
Eating  and  drinking  implements  alike  pointed  to  the 
past  The  children  afiorded  matter  for  talk,  while 
Wilhelm  could  not  satisfy  himself  with  looking  at  the 
form  and  the  bearing  of  his  saintly  hostess. 


12  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

Their  repast  over,  the  company  separated.  The 
landlord  took  his  guest  to  a  shady  spot  in  the  ruin, 
where,  from  an  elevated  station,  the  pleasant  prospect 
down  the  valley  lay  entire  before  them;  and,  farther 
off,  the  heights  of  the  lower  country,  with  their  fruit- 
ful declivities  and  woody  backs,  were  seen  protruding 
one  behind  the  other,  "It  is  fair,"  said  the  landlord, 
"  that  I  satisfy  your  curiosity ;  and  the  rather,  as  I 
feel  that  you  can  view  the  strange  with  seriousness 
when  you  find  it  resting  on  a  serious  ground.  This 
religious  foundation,  the  remains  of  which  are  lying 
round  us,  was  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Family,  and  in 
old  times  noted  as  a  place  of  pilgrimage  for  many 
wonders  done  in  it.  The  church  was  consecrated  to 
the  Mother  and  the  Son.  It  has  lain  for  several  cen- 
turies in  ruins.  The  chapel,  dedicated  to  the  holy 
foster-father,  still  remains,  as  does  likewise  the  service- 
able part  of  the  cloister.  The  revenues  have  for  many 
years  belonged  to  a  temporal  prince,  who  keeps  a 
steward  or  Schaffner  here :  this  Schaffner  am  I,  son  of 
the  last  Schaffner,  who  also  succeeded  his  father  in  the 
office. 

"  St.  Joseph,  though  any  regular  worship  of  him  has 
long  ceased  here,  had  been  so  helpful  to  our  family, 
that  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  if  they  felt  particularly 
well  inclined  toward  him :  hence  came  it  that  they 
had  me  baptised  by  the  name  of  Joseph,  and  thereby, 
I  may  say,  in  some  sense  determined  my  whole  future 
way  of  life.  I  grew  up;  and,  if  I  used  to  help  my 
father  in  managing  the  dues,  I  attached  myself  as 
gladly,  nay,  still  more  gladly,  to  my  mother,  who 
cheerfully  distributed  her  bounty  according  to  her  for- 
tune, and  for  her  kindness  and  good  deeds  was  known 
and  loved  over  all  the  mountains.  Erelong  she  would 
send  me  out,  now  this  way,  now  that ;  now  to  fetch, 
now  to  carry,  now  direct ;  and  I  very  speedily  began 
to  be  at  home  in  this  sort  of  pious  occupation. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  13 

"  In  general,  our  mountain  life  has  something  more 
humane  in  it  than  the  life  of  Lowlauders.  The  inhab- 
itants here  are  nearer,  and,  if  you  will,  more  remote 
also.  Our  wants  are  smaller,  l)ut  more  pressing.  Each 
man  is  placed  more  on  his  own  footing ;  he  nmst  learn 
to  depend  on  his  own  hands,  on  his  own  limbs.  The 
labourer,  the  post,  the  porter,  all  unite  in  one  person  : 
each  of  us  is  more  connected  with  the  other,  meets 
him  oftener,  and  lives  with  him  in  joint  activity. 

"  As  I  was  still  young,  and  my  shoulders  could  not 
bear  heavy  burdens,  I  fell  upon  a  thought  of  furnish- 
ing a  little  ass  with  panniers,  which  I  might  drive 
before  me  up  and  down  the  steep  foot-paths.  In  the 
mountains  the  ass  is  no  such  despicable  animal  as  in 
the  plain  country,  where  the  labourer  that  ploughs 
with  horses  reckons  himself  better  than  he  that  turns 
his  furrow  with  oxen.  And  I  walked  behind  my  beast 
with  tlie  less  hesitation,  as  I  had  before  observed  in 
the  chapel,  that  an  animal  of  this  same  sort  had  been 
promoted  to  such  honour  as  to  carry  God  and  his 
Mother.  This  chapel  was  not  then,  however,  in  the 
state  you  now  see  it  in.  It  had  been  treated  as  a  cart- 
house,  nay,  almost  as  a  stable.  Firewood,  stakes,  im- 
plements, barrels,  and  ladders,  everything  that  came 
to  hand,  lay  huddled  together  in  it.  Lucky  that  the 
pictures  were  so  high,  and  the  wainscot  could  stand 
some  hardships.  But  even  in  my  childhood  I  used 
many  a  time  to  clamber  over  the  wood,  and  delight 
myself  with  looking  at  the  pictures,  which  no  one 
could  properly  explain  to  me.  However,  I  knew  at 
least  that  the  saint  whose  life  stood  depicted  on  these 
walls  was  my  patron ;  and  I  rejoiced  in  him  as  much 
as  if  he  had  been  my  uncle.  I  waxed  in  stature ;  and 
it  being  an  express  condition,  that  whoever  meant  to 
aspire  after  this  post  of  Schaffner  must  practise  some 
handicraft,  our  family,  desiring  that  I  might  inherit 
so  good  a  benefice,  determined  on  putting  me  to  learu 


14  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

some   trade,  and   such  a  one,  at  the  same  time,  as 
might  be  useful  here  in  our  upland  way  of  life. 

"  My  father  was  a  cooper,  and  had  been  accustomed 
to  supply  of  himself  whatever  was  required  in  that 
sort ;  from  which  there  arose  no  httle  profit,  both  to 
himself  and  the  country.  But  I  could  not  prevail  on 
myself  to  follow  him  in  this  business.  My  inclination 
drew  me  irresistibly  to  the  joiner  trade,  the  tools  and 
materials  of  which  I  had  seen,  from  infancy  upwards, 
so  accurately  and  circumstantially  painted  beside  my 
patron  saint.  I  signified  my  wish :  nothing  could  be 
objected  to  it,  —  the  less,  as  in  our  frequent  buildings 
the  carpenter  is  often  wanted  here ;  nay,  if  he  have 
any  sleight  in  his  trade,  and  fondness  for  it,  especially 
in  forest  districts,  the  arts  of  the  cabinet-maker,  and 
even  of  the  carver,  lie  close  beside  his  province.  And 
what  still  further  confirmed  me  in  my  higher  purposes 
was  a  picture,  which  now,  alas !  is  almost  effaced.  If 
once  you  know  what  it  is  meant  to  represent,  you  may 
still  be  able  to  decipher  the  figures,  when  I  take  you 
to  look  at  it.  St.  Joseph  had  got  no  lower  a  commis- 
sion than  to  make  a  throne  for  King  Herod.  The 
royal  seat  was  to  be  erected  between  two  given  pillars. 
Joseph  carefully  measures  the  breadth  and  height,  and 
fashions  a  costly  throne.  But  how  astonished  is  he, 
how  alarmed,  on  carrying  his  finished  work  to  the 
place:  the  throne  is  too  high,  and  not  broad  enough. 
King  Herod,  as  we  know,  was  a  man  that  did  not 
understand  jesting :  the  pious  wright  is  in  the  greatest 
perplexity.  The  divine  child,  accustomed  to  follow 
him  everywhere,  and  in  childhke,  humble  sport  to 
carry  his  tools  after  him,  observes  his  strait,  and  is 
immediately  at  hand  with  advice  and  assistance.  He 
requires  of  his  foster-father  to  take  hold  of  the  throne 
by  the  one  side,  he  himself  grasps  it  by  the  other,  and 
both  begin  to  pull.  Easily  and  pliantly,  as  if  it  had 
been  made  of  leather,  the  carved  throne  extends  in 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  15 

breadth,  contracts  proportionately  in  length,  and  fits 
itself  to  the  place  with  the  nicest  accuracy,  to  the 
great  comfort  of  the  reassured  master,  and  the  perfect 
satisfaction  of  the  king. 

"  This  throne  was,  in  my  youth,  quite  distinctly 
visible ;  and  by  the  remains  of  the  one  side  you  will 
still  be  able  to  discern  that  there  was  no  want  of 
carving  on  it,  —  which,  indeed,  must  have  been  easier 
for  the  painter  than  it  would  have  been  for  the  car- 
penter, had  such  a  thing  been  required  of  him. 

"  That  circumstance,  however,  raised  no  scruples  in 
me ;  but  I  looked  on  the  handicraft  to  which  I  had 
devoted  myself  in  so  honourable  a  light,  that  I  was  all 
impatience  to  be  apprenticed  to  it,  —  a  longing  which 
was  the  easier  to  fulfil,  as  a  master  of  the  trade  hved 
in  our  neighbourhood,  who  worked  for  the  whole  dis- 
trict, and  kept  several  apprentices  and  journeymen 
about  him.  Thus  I  continued  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  my  parents,  and  to  a  certain  extent  pursued  my 
former  way  of  life  also ;  seeing  I  employed  my  leisure 
hours  and  holidays  in  doing  those  charitable  messages 
which  my  mother  still  entrusted  to  me." 


CHAPTEE   III. 

THE     VISIT. 

"So  passed  several  years,"  continued  the  narrator. 
"  I  very  soon  comprehended  the  principles  of  my 
trade ;  and  my  frame,  expanded  by  labour,  was  equal 
to  the  undertaking  of  everything  connected  with  the 
business.  At  the  same  time  I  kept  managing  my 
ancient  service,  which  my  good  mother,  or  rather  the 
sick  and  destitute,  required  at  my  hands.  I  moved 
with  my  beast  through  the  mountains,  punctually  dis- 
tributed my  lading,  and  brought  back  from  shop- 
keepers and  merchants  what  we  needed  here  at  home. 

"  My  master  was  contented  with  me,  my  parents 
also.  Already  I  enjoyed  the  satisfaction,  in  my  wan- 
derings, of  seeing  many  a  house  which  I  had  helped 
to  raise,  or  had  myself  decorated.  For,  in  particular, 
that  last  notching  of  the  beam-ends,  that  carving  of 
certain  simple  forms,  that  branding  in  of  pretty  figures, 
that  red  painting  of  certain  recesses,  by  which  a 
wooden  house  in  the  mountains  acquires  so  pleasant 
an  aspect,  —  these  arts  were  specially  entrusted  to  me ; 
as  I  always  made  the  best  hand  of  such  tasks,  having 
Herod's  throne  and  its  ornaments  constantly  in  my 
head. 

"  Among  the  help-needing  persons  whom  my  mother 
took  peculiar  charge  of,  were  particularly  young  wives 
near  the  time  of  their  confinement,  as  by  degrees  I 
could  well  enough  remark  ;  though,  in  such  cases,  the 
commissions  given  me  were  veiled  in  a  certain  mystery. 
My  messages,  on  these  occasions,  never  reached  directly 

i6 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  17 

to  the  party  concerned  ;  but  everything  passed  through 
the  hands  of  a  good  old  woman,  who  Uved  down  tlie 
dale,  and  was  called  Frau  Elizabeth.  My  mother, 
herself  skilful  in  the  art  which  saves  life  to  so  many 
at  their  very  entrance  into  life,  constantly  maintained 
a  good  understanding  witli  Frau  Elizabeth  ;  and  1  often 
heard,  in  all  quarters,  that  many  a  one  of  our  sLout 
mountaineers  stood  indebted  for  his  existence  U> 
these  two  women.  The  secrecy  with  which  Elizabeth 
received  me  at  all  times,  her  pointed  replies  to  my 
enigmatical  questions,  which  I  myself  did  not  under- 
stand, awoke  in  me  a  singular  reverence  for  her ;  and 
her  house,  which  was  extremely  clean,  appeared  to  me 
to  represent  a  sort  of  sanctuary. 

"  Meanwhile,  by  my  acquirements  and  adroitness  in 
my  craft,  I  had  gained  considerable  influence  in  the 
family.  As  my  father,  in  the  character  of  cooper,  had 
taken  charge  of  the  cellar  and  its  contents,  I  now  took 
charge  of  roof  and  room,  and  repaired  many  a  damaged 
part  in  the  old  building.  In  particular,  I  contrived  to 
make  some  fallen  barns  and  out-houses  once  more 
serviceable  for  domestic  use;  and  scarcely  was  this 
done  when  I  set  about  cleaning  and  clearing  out  my 
beloved  chapel.  In  a  few  days  it  was  put  in  order, 
almost  as  you  see  it  at  present ;  and  such  pieces  of  the 
wainscot  as  were  damaged  or  altogether  wanting,  I  had 
endeavoured,  as  I  went  along,  to  restore  in  the  same 
fashion  as  the  rest.  These  door-leaves  of  the  entrance, 
too,  you  might  think,  were  old  enough ;  yet  they  are 
of  my  workmanship.  I  passed  several  years  in  carving 
them  at  leisure  hours,  having  first  mortised  the  body 
of  them  firmly  together  out  of  strong  oaken  planks. 
Wliatever  of  the  pictures  had  not  been  efi'aced  or 
injured  at  that  time,  has  since  continued  unimpaired ; 
and  I  assisted  our  glazier  in  a  new  house  he  was 
erecting,  under  the  condition  of  his  putting  in  coloured 
windows  here. 


i8  meister's  travels 

"  If  these  figures  and  thoughts  on  the  saint's  life  had 
hitherto  occupied  my  imagination,  the  whole  impressed 
itself  on  me  with  much  more  hveliness,  now  that  I 
could  again  regard  the  place  as  a  sanctuary,  could 
linger  in  it,  and  muse  at  leisure  on  what  I  saw  or 
conjectured.  There  lay  in  me  an  irresistible  desire  to 
follow  in  the  footsteps  of  this  saint :  and,  as  a  similar 
history  was  not  to  be  looked  for  in  these  times,  I 
determined  on  commencing  my  resemblance  from  the 
lowest  point  upward ;  as,  indeed,  by  the  use  of  my 
beast  of  burden,  I  had  already  commenced  it  long  ago. 
The  small  creature  which  I  had  hitherto  employed 
would  no  longer  content  me :  I  chose  for  myself  a  far 
more  stately  carrier,  and  got  a  large,  stout  saddle, 
which  was  equally  adapted  for  riding  and  packing.  A 
pair  of  new  baskets  were  also  procured ;  and  a  net  of 
many-coloured  knots,  flakes,  and  tufts,  intermixed  with 
jingling  tags  of  metal,  decorated  the  neck  of  my  long- 
eared  beast,  which  might  now  show  itself  beside  its 
model  on  the  wall.  Xo  one  thought  of  mocking  me 
when  I  passed  over  the  mountains  in  this  equipment : 
people  do  not  quarrel  with  Benevolence  for  putting  on 
a  strange  outside. 

"Meanwhile,  war,  or  rather  its  consequences,  had 
approached  our  district ;  for  dangerous  bands  of  vaga- 
bond deserters  had  more  than  once  collected,  and  here 
and  there  practised  much  violence  and  wanton  mis- 
chief. By  the  good  order  of  our  provincial  militia,  by 
patrolling  and  prompt  watchfulness,  the  evil  was  very 
soon  remedied :  but  we  too  quickly  relapsed  into  our 
former  carelessness ;  and,  before  we  thought  of  it,  new 
disorders  broke  forth. 

"  For  a  long  time  all  had  been  quiet  in  our  neigh- 
bourhood, and  I  had  travelled  peacefully  with  my  ass 
along  the  accustomed  paths ;  till  one  day,  passing  over 
a  newly  sown  glade  of  the  forest,  I  observed  a  female 
form  sitting,  or  rather  lying,  at  the  edge  of  the  fence- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  19 

ditch.  She  seemed  to  be  asleep,  or  in  a  swoou.  I 
endeavoured  to  recall  her ;  and,  as  she  opened  her  eyes 
and  sat  upright,  she  cried  with  eagerness,  'Where  is 
he  ?  Did  you  see  him  ? '  I  asked,  '  Whom  ? '  She 
replied,  '  My  husband.'  Considering  her  extremely 
youthful  appearance,  I  had  not  been  expecting  this 
reply ;  yet  I  continued,  so  much  the  more  kindly,  to 
assist  her,  and  assure  her  of  my  sympathy.  I  learned 
that  the  two  travellers  had  left  their  carriage,  the  road 
being  so  heavy,  and  struck  into  a  footpath  to  make  a 
shorter  cut.  Hard  by  they  had  been  overtaken  by 
armed  marauders ;  her  husband  had  gone  oH'  fighting 
with  them ;  she,  not  able  to  follow  him  far,  had  sunk 
on  this  spot,  and  lain  there  she  knew  not  how  long. 
She  pressingly  begged  of  me  to  leave  her,  and  hasten 
after  her  husband.  She  rose  to  her  feet;  and  the 
fairest,  loveliest  form  stood  before  me :  yet  I  could 
easily  observe  that  she  was  in  a  situation  in  which  she 
might  soon  require  the  help  of  my  mother  and  Frau 
Elizabeth.  We  disputed  awhile :  for  I  wished,  before 
all,  to  bring  her  to  some  place  of  safety ;  she  wished, 
in  the  first  place,  to  have  tidings  of  her  husband.  She 
would  not  leave  the  trace  of  him ;  and  all  my  argu- 
ments would  perhaps  have  been  unavailing,  had  not  a 
party  of  our  militia,  which  the  tidings  of  fresh  mis- 
deeds had  again  called  out  into  service,  chanced  to 
pass  that  way  through  the  forest.  These  I  informed 
of  the  matter :  with  them  the  necessary  arrangements 
were  made,  the  place  of  meeting  appointed,  and  so  the 
business  settled  for  the  time.  With  great  expedition 
I  hid  my  panniers  in  a  neighbouring  cave,  which  had 
often  served  me  before  as  a  repository :  I  adjusted  my 
saddle  for  easy  riding,  and,  not  without  a  strange 
emotion,  lifted  the  fair  burden  on  my  willing  beast, 
which,  knowing  of  itself  what  path  to  choose,  left  me 
at  liberty  to  walk  by  her  side. 

"  You  can  figure  to  yourself,  without  my  describing 


20  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

it  at  large,  in  what  a  strange  mood  I  was.  What  I 
had  long  been  seeking  I  had  now  found.  I  felt  as  if  I 
were  dreaming,  and  then  again  as  if  I  were  awakening 
from  a  dream.  That  heavenly  form  which  I  saw,  as  it 
were,  hovering  in  the  air,  and  bending  aside  from  the 
gi-een  branches,  now  seemed  to  me  like  a  dream  which 
had  risen  in  my  soul  through  those  figures  in  the 
chapel.  Soon  those  figures  themselves  seemed  to  me 
to  have  been  only  dreams,  which  were  here  issuing  in 
a  fair  reality.  I  asked  her  many  things :  she  answered 
me  softly  and  kindly,  as  beseemed  a  dignified  distress. 
She  often  desired  me,  when  we  reached  any  open 
height,  to  stop,  to  look  round,  to  listen.  She  desired 
me  with  such  gi-ace,  with  such  a  deep,  wistful  look 
from  under  her  long  black  eyelashes,  that  I  could  not 
but  do  whatever  lay  in  my  power ;  nay,  at  last  I 
climbed  to  the  top  of  a  high,  solitary,  branchless  pine. 
Never  had  this  feat  of  my  handicraft  been  more  wel- 
come to  me :  never  had  I,  with  greater  joy,  brought 
down  ribbons  and  silks  from  such  elevations  at  festi- 
vals and  fairs.  But  for  this  time,  alas !  I  came  back 
without  booty  :  above,  as  below,  I  could  hear  or  see 
nothing.  In  the  end,  she  herself  called  me  down,  and 
beckoned  to  me  earnestly  with  her  hand :  nay,  at  last, 
as  in  gliding  down  I  quitted  my  hold  a  considerable 
way  up,  and  dropped  on  the  ground,  she  gave  a  scream ; 
and  a  sweet  kindliness  spread  over  her  face  as  she  saw 
me  before  her  unhurt. 

"Why  should  I  tell  you  in  detail  of  the  hundred 
attentions  with  which  I  strove  the  whole  way  to  be 
pleasing,  to  divert  her  thoughts  from  her  giief  ?  In- 
deed, how  could  I  ?  For  it  is  the  very  quality  of  true 
attention,  that,  at  the  moment,  it  makes  a  nothing  all. 
To  my  feeling,  the  flowers  which  I  broke  for  her,  the 
distant  scenes  which  I  showed  her,  the  hills,  the 
woods,  which  I  named  to  her,  were  so  many  precious 
treasures  which  I  was  giving  her  to  obtain  for  myseK  a 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  21 

place    .among   her    interests,    as    one    tries    to    do    by 
presents. 

"Already  she  had  gained  me  for  my  whole  life, 
when  we  reached  our  destination,  at  that  good  old 
woman's  door ;  and  I  saw  a  painful  separation  close  at 
hand.  Once  more  I  ran  over  all  her  form  ;  and,  as  my 
eyes  came  on  her  feet,  I  stooped  as  if  to  adjust  some- 
thing in  my  girdle,  and  kissed  the  daintiest  shoe  that  I 
had  ever  seen,  yet  without  her  noticing  me.  I  helped 
her  down,  sprang  up  the  steps,  and  called  in  at  the 
door,  'Frau  Ehzabeth,  here  is  a  visitor!'  The  good 
old  woman  came  down :  and  I  looked  over  her  shoul- 
ders toward  the  house,  as  the  fair  being  mounted  the 
steps  with  graceful  sorrow,  and  inward,  painful  self- 
consciousness  ;  till  she  gratefully  embraced  my  worthy 
old  woman,  and  accompanied  her  into  the  better 
chamber.  They  shut  the  door ;  and  I  was  left  stand- 
ing outside  by  my  ass,  like  a  man  that  has  delivered  a 
loading  of  precious  wares,  and  is  again  as  poor  a  carrier 
as  before." 


CHAPTEE  IV. 

THE    LILY -STALK. 

"  I  WAS  still  lingering  in  my  departure,  for  I  knew 
not  what  to  do  if  I  were  gone,  when  Frau  Elizabeth 
came  to  the  door,  and  desired  me  to  send  my  mother 
down  to  her,  and  then  to  go  about,  and,  if  possible,  get 
tidings  of  the  husband.  '  Mary  begs  you  very  much  to 
do  this,'  said  she.  '  Can  I  not  speak  with  her  again 
myself  ? '  replied  I.  '  That  will  not  do,'  said  Ehzabeth  ; 
and  we  parted.  In  a  short  time  I  reached  our  dwell- 
ing :  my  mother  was  ready  that  same  night  to  go  over, 
and  be  helpful  to  the  young  stranger.  I  hastened  down 
the  country,  thinking  I  should  get  the  surest  intelli- 
gence at  the  Amhnann's.  But  the  Atntmann  himself 
was  still  in  uncertainty ;  and,  as  I  was  known  to  him, 
he  invited  me  to  pass  the  night  there.  It  seemed  in- 
terminably long;  and  still  I  had  the  fair  form  before 
my  eyes,  as  she  sat  gently  swaying  in  the  saddle,  and 
looking  down  to  me  so  sorrowful  and  friendly.  Every 
moment  I  hoped  for  news.  To  the  worthy  husband  I 
honestly  wished  life  and  safety,  and  yet  I  hked  so  well 
to  fancy  her  a  widow !  The  ranging  troops  by  little 
and  little  collected  ;  and,  after  many  variable  rumours, 
the  certainty  at  last  came  to  hght,  that  the  carriage 
was  saved,  but  the  hapless  traveller  dead  of  his  wounds 
in  a  neighbouring  village.  I  learned  also,  that,  accord- 
ing to  our  first  arrangement,  some  of  the  party  had 
gone  to  communicate  the  melancholy  tidings  to  Erau 
Elizabeth :  consequently  I  had  nothing  more  to  do 
there.     Yet  a  boundless  impatience,  an  immeasurable 

22 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  23 

longing,  drove  me  over  wood  and  mountain  once  more 
to  lier  threshold.  It  was  dark  ;  the  door  was  shut ;  I 
saw  light  in  the  room,  I  saw  shadows  moving  on  the 
curtains ;  and  thus  I  sat  watching  on  a  bench  opposite 
the  house;  still  on  the  point  of  knocking,  and  still 
withheld  by  many  considerations. 

"  But  why  should  I  go  on  describing  to  you  what  is 
in  itself  of  no  interest  ?  In  short,  next  morning,  too, 
the  house  was  shut  against  me.  They  knew  the  heavy 
tidings,  they  needed  me  no  further;  they  sent  me  to 
my  father,  to  my  work ;  they  would  not  answer  my 
inquiries;  they  wanted  to  be  rid  of  me. 

"  For  eight  days  this  sort  of  treatment  had  con- 
tinued, when  at  last  Frau  Elizabeth  called  me  in. 
'  Step  softly,  my  friend,'  said  she,  '  but  enter  without 
scruple.'  She  led  me  into  a  trim  apartment,  where,  in 
the  corner,  through  the  half-opened  curtains,  I  saw  my 
fair  one  dressed,  and  sitting  upright  in  the  bed.  Frau 
Elizabeth  went  toward  her  as  if  to  announce  me, 
lifted  something  from  the  bed,  and  brought  it  me, — 
wrapped  in  the  whitest  swathings,  the  prettiest  boy  ! 
Frau  Elizabeth  held  it  straight  betwixt  the  mother  and 
me  ;  and  just  then  the  lily-stalk  occurred  to  me,  which, 
in  the  picture,  springs  from  the  ground  between  Joseph 
and  Mary,  as  witness  of  the  purity  of  their  affection. 
From  that  moment  I  was  certain  of  my  cause,  certain 
of  my  happiness.  I  could  approach  her  with  freedom, 
speak  with  her,  bear  her  heavenly  eye,  take  the  boy  on 
my  arm,  and  imprint  a  warm  kiss  on  his  brow. 

"  *  How  I  thank  you  for  the  love  you  bear  to  that 
orphan  child!'  said  the  mother.  Unthinkingly  and 
briskly  I  cried,  '  It  is  no  orphan  any  longer,  if  you 
like ! ' 

"Frau  Elizabeth,  more  prudent  than  I,  took  the 
child  from  my  hands,  and  got  me  put  away. 

"  To  this  hour,  when  I  chance  to  be  wandering  over 
our  mountains  and  forests,  the  remembrance  of  that 


24  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

time  forms  my  happiest  entertainment.  I  can  still 
recall  the  slightest  particulars ;  which,  however,  as  is 
fit,  I  spare  you  at  present.  Weeks  passed  on :  Mary 
was  recovered  ;  I  could  see  her  oftener ;  my  intercourse 
with  her  was  a  train  of  services  and  attentions.  Her 
family  circumstances  allowed  her  to  choose  a  residence 
according  to  her  pleasure.  She  first  stayed  with  Frau 
Elizabeth :  then  she  paid  us  a  visit,  to  thank  my 
mother  and  me  for  so  many  and  such  friendly  helps. 
She  liked  to  live  with  us,  and  I  flattered  myself  that  it 
was  partly  on  my  account.  What  I  wished  to  tell  her, 
however,  and  durst  not  utter,  came  to  words  in  a  sin- 
gular and  pretty  wise,  when  I  took  her  into  the  chapel, 
which  I  had  then  fitted  up  as  a  habitual  apartment.  I 
showed  her  the  pictures,  and  explained  them  to  her  one 
after  the  other,  and,  so  doing,  unfolded  the  duties  of  a 
foster-father  in  so  vivid  and  cordial  a  manner  that  the 
tears  came  into  her  eyes,  and  I  could  not  get  to  the 
end  of  my  picture  exhibition.  I  thought  myself  certain 
of  her  affection,  though  I  was  not  proud  enough  to  wish 
so  soon  to  efface  the  memory  of  her  husband.  The 
law  imposes  on  widows  a  year  of  mourning ;  and,  in 
truth,  such  an  epoch,  which  includes  in  it  the  change 
of  all  earthly  things,  is  necessary  for  a  feehug  heart,  to 
alleviate  the  painful  impressions  of  a  great  loss.  We 
see  the  flowers  fade  and  the  leaves  fall ;  but  we 
likewise  see  fruits  ripen,  and  new  buds  shoot  forth. 
Life  belongs  to  the  living,  and  he  who  lives  must  be 
prepared  for  vicissitudes. 

"  I  now  spoke  with  my  mother  on  the  concern  which 
lay  so  near  my  heart.  She  thereupon  disclosed  to  me 
how  grievous  to  Mary  the  death  of  her  husband  had 
been,  and  how  she  had  borne  up  and  gathered  courage 
again,  solely  from  the  thought  that  she  must  hve  for 
her  child.  My  inclination  was  not  unknown  to  the 
women,  and  already  Mary  had  accustomed  herself  to 
the  idea  of  living  with  us.     She  stayed  awhile  longer  in 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  25 

the  neighbourhood :  then  she  came  up  to  us,  and  we 
lived  for  a  time  in  the  gentlest  and  happiest  state  of 
betroth ment.  At  last  we  wedded.  That  feeling  which 
had  first  drawn  us  together  did  not  fade  away.  Tlie 
duties  and  joys  of  the  father  and  the  foster-fatlier  were 
united :  and  so  our  little  family,  as  it  increased,  did 
certainly  surpass  its  prototype  in  number  of  persons; 
but  the  virtues  of  that  pattern,  in  respect  to  faithful- 
ness, and  purity  of  sentiments,  were  sacredly  main- 
tained and  practised  by  us.  And  so  also  in  friendly 
habitude  we  keep  up  the  external  appearance  which  we, 
by  accident,  arrived  at,  and  which  fits  our  internal  state 
so  well ;  for  though  all  of  us  are  good  walkers,  and 
stout  bearers  of  weight,  the  beast  of  burden  still 
remains  in  our  company,  when  any  business  or  visit 
takes  us  through  these  mountains  and  valleys.  As  you 
met  us  last  night,  so  does  the  whole  country  know  us ; 
and  we  feel  proud  that  our  walk  and  conversation  are 
of  such  a  sort  as  not  to  throw  disgrace  on  the  saintly 
name  and  figure  whose  imitators  we  profess  to  be." 

Wilhelm  to  Natalia. 

I  now  conclude  a  pleasant,  half-marvellous  history, 
which  I  have  just  written  down  for  thee,  from  the 
mouth  of  a  very  worthy  man.  If  I  have  not  always 
given  his  very  words ;  if  here  and  there,  in  describing 
his  sentiments,  I  have  expressed  my  own,  —  this,  con- 
sidering the  relationship  of  mind  I  feel  with  him,  was 
natural  enough.  His  reverence  for  his  wife,  does  it 
not  resemble  that  which  I  entertain  for  thee  ?  And 
is  there  not,  even  in  the  first  meeting  of  these  lovers, 
something  similar  to  ours  ?  But  that  he  is  fortunate 
enough  to  walk  beside  his  animal,  as  it  bears  the 
doubly  beautiful  burden  ;  that  he  can  enter  at  evenings, 
"with  his  family  possession,  through  the  old  cloister- 
gate  ;  that  he  is  inseparable  from  his  own  loved  ones. 


26  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

—  iu  all  this,  I  may  well  secretly  envy  him.  Yet  I 
must  not  complain  of  my  destiny ;  seeing  I  have  prom- 
ised thee  that  I  will  suffer  and  be  silent,  as  thou  also 
hast  undertaken. 

Many  a  fair  feature  in  the  domestic  union  of  these 
devout  and  cheerful  persons  I  have  been  obliged  to 
omit,  for  how  could  it  be  depicted  in  writing  ?  Two 
days  have  passed  over  me  agreeably,  but  the  third 
warns  me  to  be  mindful  of  my  farther  wayfaring. 

With  Felix  I  had  a  little  quarrel  to-day.  He  was 
almost  for  compelling  me  to  break  through  one  whole- 
some regulation,  for  which  I  stand  engaged  to  thee.  It 
has  been  an  error,  a  misfortune,  in  short,  an  arrangement 
of  Fate  with  me  hitherto,  that,  before  I  am  aware,  my 
company  increases ;  that  I  take  a  new  burden  on  my 
shoulders,  which  thenceforth  I  have  to  bear,  and  drag 
along  with  me.  So,  in  my  present  wanderings,  no 
third  party  is  to  be  become  a  permanent  associate 
with  us.  We  are,  we  will  and  must  continue.  Two ; 
and  just  now  a  new,  and  not  very  pleasing,  connection, 
seemed  about  to  be  established. 

To  the  children  of  the  house,  with  whom  Felix  has 
gaily  passed  these  days  in  sporting,  there  had  joined 
himself  a  little  merry  beggar-boy,  who,  submitting  to 
be  used  or  misused  as  the  play  required,  had  very 
soon  got  into  favour  with  Felix.  By  various  hints 
and  expressions,  I  now  gathered  that  the  latter  had 
found  himself  a  playmate  for  the  next  stage  of  our 
journey.  The  boy  is  known  in  this  quarter,  and  every- 
where tolerated  for  his  lively  humour,  and  now  and 
then  obtains  an  alms.  Me,  however,  he  did  not  please ; 
and  I  desired  our  host  to  get  him  sent  away.  This 
likewise  took  place;  but  Felix  was  angry  at  it,  and 
we  had  a  little  flaw  of  discord. 

In  the  course  of  this  affair,  I  discovered  something 
which  was  pleasant  to  me.  In  the  corner  of  the 
chapel,   or  hall,  stood   a  box   of   stones,  which  Felix, 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  2^ 

who,  since  our  wanderings  through  the  mountains,  has 
acquired  an  excessive  fondness  for  minerals,  eagerly 
drew  forth  and  examined.  Many  pretty  eye-catching 
things  were  among  them.  Our  landlord  said  the  child 
might  choose  out  what  he  liked :  these  were  the  re- 
mains of  a  large  collection  which  a  friend  had  despatched 
thence  a  short  while  ago.  He  called  this  person 
Montan ;  and  thou  wilt  easily  suppose  how  glad  I  was 
to  hear  this  name,  under  which  one  of  our  best  friends 
id  travelHng,  one  to  whom  we  owe  so  much.  Having 
inquired  into  date  and  circumstances,  I  can  now  hope 
to  meet  him  erelong  on  my  pilgrimage. 


CHAPTEE   V. 

The  news  that  Montan  was  in  the  neighbourhood 
had  made  Wilhelm  reflect.  He  considered  that  it 
ought  not  to  be  left  to  chance  alone  whether  he  should 
meet  with  so  estimable  a  friend,  therefore  he  inquired 
of  his  landlord  if  they  did  not  know  toward  what 
quarter  this  traveller  had  turned  his  course.  No  one 
had  any  information  on  this  point ;  and  Wilhelm  had 
determined  to  pursue  his  pilgrimage  on  the  former 
plan,  when  Felix  cried, "  If  father  were  not  so  strange, 
we  might  soon  find  Montan." 

"  What  way  ?  "  said  Wilhelm. 

Felix  answered,  "  Little  Fitz  told  us  last  night  that 
he  could  trace  out  the  stranger  gentleman,  who  had 
many  fine  stones  with  him,  and  understood  them  well." 

After  some  talking,  Wilhelm  at  last  resolved  on 
making  the  experiment ;  purposing,  in  the  course  of 
it,  to  keep  so  much  the  sharper  watch  on  the  suspicious 
boy.  Fitz  was  soon  found ;  and,  hearing  what  was  to 
be  done,  he  soon  produced  mallet  and  chisel,  and  a 
stout  hammer,  with  a  little  bag,  and  set  forth,  running 
merrily  before  the  party,  in  his  mining  accoutrements. 

The  way  went  to  a  side,  and  up  the  mountains. 
The  children  skipped  on  together,  from  crag  to  crag, 
over  stock  and  stone,  over  brook  and  bourn ;  and,  with- 
out having  any  path  before  him,  Fitz  pressed  rapidly 
upwards,  now  looking  to  the  right  hand,  now  to  the 
left.  As  Wilhelm,  and  especially  the  laden  porter, 
could  not  follow  so  fast,  the  boys  often  ran  back  and 
forward,  singing  and  whistling.  The  aspect  of  some 
new  trees  arrested   the  attention  of  Felix,  who  now, 

28 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  29 

for  the  first  time,  formed  acquaiutance  with  larches 
and  fir-cones,  and  curiously  surveyed  the  strange  gentian 
shrubs.  And  thus,  in  their  toilsome  wandering,  there 
lacked  not  from  time  to  time  a  little  entertainment. 
But  all  at  once  they  were  fronted  by  a  barricado  of 
trees,  which  a  storm  had  hurled  together  in  a  con- 
fused mass.  "This  was  not  in  my  reckoning,"  said 
Fitz.  "  Wait  here  till  I  find  my  way  again,  only  have 
a  care  of  the  cave  up  there :  no  one  goes  into  it  or  near 
it,  without  getting  harm,  or  having  tricks  played  on 
him." 

The  boy  went  oft"  in  an  ascending  direction :  the 
porter,  on  the  other  hand,  giumbling  at  the  excessive 
difiiculty  of  the  way,  set  down  his  luggage,  and 
searched  sidewards  and  downwards  for  some  beaten 
path. 

No  sooner  did  Felix  see  himself  alone  with  his 
father,  than  his  curiosity  awoke,  and  he  ghded  softly 
toward  the  cave.  Wilhelm,  who  gave  him  leave, 
observed  after  some  time  that  the  child  was  no  longer 
in  sight.  He  himself  mounted  to  the  cave,  at  the 
mouth  of  which  he  had  last  seen  the  boy ;  and,  on 
entering,  he  found  the  place  empty.  It  was  spacious, 
but  could  be  taken  in  at  a  glance.  He  searched  for 
some  other  outlet,  and  found  none.  The  matter  began 
to  be  serious.  He  took  the  whistle  which  he  wore  at 
his  buttonhole :  an  answer  to  his  call  came  sounding 
out  of  the  depth,  so  that  he  was  uncertain  whether  he 
should  take  it  for  an  echo,  when,  shortly  afterward, 
Fehx  peeped  out  of  the  ground  ;  for  the  chink  through 
which  he  looked  was  scarcely  wide  enough  to  let 
through  his  head. 

"  What  art  thou  about  there  i  "  cried  his  father. 
"  Hush  !  "  said  Felix :  "  art  thou  alone  ?  " 
"  Quite  alone,"  answered  Wilhelm. 
"  Then,  go  quick,"  cried  the  boy,  "  and  fetch   me  a 
couple  of  strong  clubs." 


30  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

Wilhelm  went  to  the  fallen  timber,  and,  with  his 
hanger,  cut  off  a  pair  of  thick  staves :  Felix  took  them, 
and  vanished,  having  first  called  to  his  father,  "  Let  no 
one  into  the  cave  ! " 

After  some  time  Felix  cried,  "  Another  pair  of  staves, 
and  larger  ones  ! "  With  these  also  his  father  provided 
him,  and  waited  anxiously  for  the  solution  of  his  riddle. 
At  length  the  boy  issued  rapidly  from  the  cleft,  and 
brought  a  Httle  box  with  him,  not  larger  than  an  octavo 
volume,  of  rich,  antique  appearance :  it  seemed  to  be  of 
gold,  decorated  with  enamel.  "  Put  it  up,  father,"  said 
the  boy,  "  and  let  none  see  it."  Wilhelm  had  not  time 
to  ask  many  questions,  for  they  akeady  heard  the  call 
of  the  returning  porter ;  and  scarcely  had  they  joined 
him,  when  the  little  squire  also  began  to  shout  and 
wave  from  above. 

On  their  approach  he  cried  out,  "  Montan  is  not  far 
off:  I  bet  we  shall  soon  meet  him." 

"  How  canst  thou  know  this,"  said  Wilhelm,  "  in  so 
wild  a  forest,  where  no  human  being  leaves  any  trace 
behind  him  ? " 

"  That  is  my  knack,"  said  Fitz  ;  and,  like  a  Will-o'- 
wisp,  he  hopped  off  hither  and  thither,  in  a  side  direc- 
tion, to  lead  his  masters  the  strangest  road. 

Felix,  in  the  meanwhile,  highly  satisfied  in  the 
treasure  he  had  found,  highly  delighted  at  possessing 
a  secret,  kept  close  by  his  father,  without,  as  formerly, 
skipping  up  and  down  beside  his  comrade.  He  nodded 
to  Wilhelm  with  sparkling  eyes ;  glancing  toward  his 
companion,  and  making  significant  faces,  to  indicate  how 
much  he  was  above  Fitz  now,  in  possessing  a  secret 
entirely  wanting  to  the  other.  He  carried  it  so  far  at 
length,  that  Fitz,  who  often  stopped  and  looked  about, 
must  very  soon  have  noticed  it.  Wilhelm  therefore 
said  to  Felix,  "My  son,  whoever  wishes  to  keep  a 
secret  must  hide  from  us  that  he  possesses  one.  Self- 
complaisance  over  the  concealed  destroys  its  conceal- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  31 

ment."     Felix  restrained  himself ;  l)ul  his  former  gay, 
free  manner  to  his  comrade  he  could  not  now  attain. 

All  at  once  little  Fitz  stood  still.  He  beckoned  the 
rest  to  him.  "  Do  you  hear  a  beating  ?  "  said  he.  "  It 
is  the  sound  of  a  hammer  striking  on  the  rock." 

"  We  hear  it,"  answered  they. 

"  That  is  Montan,"  said  he,  "  or  some  one  who  will 
tell  us  of  him." 

Following  the  sound,  which  was  repeated  from  time 
to  time,  they  reached  an  opening  in  the  wood,  and  per- 
ceived a  steep,  high,  naked  rock,  towering  over  all  the 
rest,  leaving  even  the  lofty  forest  deep  beneath  it.  On 
the  top  of  it  they  descried  a  man :  he  was  too  far  off 
to  be  recognised.  Immediately  the  boys  set  about 
ascending  the  precipitous  path.  Wilhelm  followed  with 
some  dilhculty,  nay,  danger  :  for  the  person  that  chmbs 
a  rock  foremost  always  proceeds  with  more  safety, 
because  he  can  look  out  for  his  conveniences ;  he  who 
comes  after  sees  only  whither  the  other  has  arrived, 
but  not  how.  The  boys  soon  reached  the  top,  and 
Wilhelm  heard  a  shout  of  joy.  "  It  is  Jarno,"  cried 
Fehx  to  his  father ;  and  Jarno  immediately  came  for- 
ward to  a  rugged  spot,  stretched  out  his  hand  to  his 
friend,  and  drew  him  up.  They  embraced,  and  wel- 
comed each  other  into  the  free,  skyey  air,  with  the 
rapture  of  old  friends. 

But  scarcely  had  they  stepped  asunder,  when  a  giddi- 
ness came  over  Wilhelm,  not  so  much  on  his  own 
account,  as  at  seeing  the  boys  hanging  over  the  fright- 
ful abyss.  Jarno  observed  it,  and  immediately  bade 
all  sit  down.  "Nothing  is  more  natural,"  said  he, 
"than  that  we  should  grow  giddy  at  a  great  sight, 
which  comes  unexpectedly  before  us,  to  make  us  feel 
at  once  our  littleness  and  our  gi-eatness.  But  there  is 
not  in  the  world  any  truer  enjoyment  than  at  the 
moment  when  we  are  so  made  giddy  for  the  first  time." 

"  Are  these,  then,  down  there,  the  great  mountains 


32  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

we  climbed  over  ? "  inquired  Felix.  "  How  little  they 
look !  And  here,"  continued  he,  loosening  a  crumb  of 
stone  from  the  rock,  "  is  the  old  cat-gold  again  :  this  is 
found  everywhere,  I  suppose  ?  " 

"  It  is  found  far  and  wide,"  answered  Jarno ;  "  and, 
as  thou  art  asking  after  such  things,  I  may  bid  thee 
notice  that  thou  art  now  sitting  on  the  oldest  mountain, 
on  the  earliest  rock,  of  this  world." 

"  Was  the  world  not  made  at  once,  then  ? "  said 
Felix. 

"  Hardly,"  answered  Jarno :  "  good  bread  needs 
baking." 

"  Down  there,"  said  Felix,  "  is  another  sort  of  rock ; 
and  there  again  another,  and  still  again  another,"  cried 
he,  pointing  from  the  nearest  mountains  to  the  more 
remote,  and  so  downward  to  the  plain. 

It  was  a  beautiful  day,  and  Jarno  let  them  survey 
the  lordly  prospect  in  detail.  Here  and  there  stood 
several  other  peaks,  similar  to  the  one  our  travellers 
were  on.  A  secondary  moderate  range  of  mountains 
seemed  as  if  struggling  up,  but  did  not  by  far  attain 
that  height.  Farther  off,  the  surface  flattened  still 
more ;  yet  again  some  strangely  protruding  forms  rose 
to  view.  At  last,  in  the  remote  distance,  lakes  were 
visible,  and  rivers ;  and  a  fruitful  country  spread  itself 
out  Hke  a  sea.  And,  when  the  eye  came  back,  it 
pierced  into  frightful  depths,  sounding  with  cata- 
racts, and  connected  with  each  other  in  labyrinthic 
combination. 

Fehx  could  not  satisfy  himself  with  questions,  and 
Jarno  was  kind  enough  to  answer  all  of  them ;  in 
which,  however,  Wilhelm  thought  he  noticed  that  the 
teacher  did  not  always  speak  quite  truly  and  sincerely. 
So,  after  the  unstaid  boys  had  again  clambered  off, 
Wilhelm  said  to  his  friend,  "  Thou  hast  not  spoken 
with  the  child  about  these  matters  as  thou  speakest  to 
thyself." 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  33 

"  That,  indeed,  were  a  heavy  requisition,"  answered 
Jarno.  "  We  do  not  always  speak,  even  to  ourselves, 
as  we  think  ;  and  it  is  not  fit  to  tell  others  anything 
but  what  they  can  take  up.  A  man  understands  noth- 
ing but  what  is  commensurate  with  him.  To  fix  a 
child's  attention  on  what  is  present;  to  give  him 
a  description,  a  name,  —  is  the  best  thing  we  can  do 
for  him.  He  will  soon  enough  begin  to  inquire  after 
causes." 

"  One  cannot  blame  this  latter  tendency,"  observed 
Wilhelm.  "  The  multiplicity  of  objects  perplexes 
every  one ;  and  it  is  easier,  instead  of  investigating 
them,  to  ask  directly,  whence  and  whither  ?  " 

"  And  yet,"  said  Jarno,  "  as  children  look  at  what  is 
present  only  superficially,  we  cannot  speak  with  them 
of  origin  and  object  otherwise  than  superficially  also." 

"  Most  men,"  answered  Wilhelm,  "  continue  all  their 
days  in  this  predicament,  and  never  reach  that  glori- 
ous epoch  in  which  the  comprehensible  appears  to  us 
common  and  insipid." 

"  It  may  well  be  called  glorious,"  answered  Jarno ; 
"  for  it  is  a  middle  stage  between  despair  and 
deification." 

"  Let  us  abide  by  the  boy,"  said  Wilhelm,  "  who  is, 
at  present,  my  first  care.  He  has,  somehow,  got  a  fond- 
ness for  minerals  since  we  began  this  journey.  Canst 
thou  not  impart  so  much  to  me  as  would  put  it  in  my 
power  to  satisfy  him,  at  least  for  a  time  ? " 

"That  will  not  do,"  said  Jarno.  "In  every  new 
department  one  must,  in  the  first  place,  begin  again  as 
a  child ;  throw  a  passionate  interest  over  the  subject ; 
take  pleasure  in  the  shell  till  one  has  the  happiness  to 
arrive  at  the  kernel." 

"Tell  me,  then,"  said  Wilhelm,  "how  hast  thou 
attained  this  knowledge  ?  For  it  is  not  so  very  long, 
after  all,  since  we  parted." 

"  My  friend,"  said  Jarno,  "  we  were  forced  to  resign 


34  meister's  travels 

ourselves,  if  not  for  ever,  at  least  for  a  long  season.  The 
first  tiling  that  occurs  to  a  stout-hearted  man,  under 
such  circumstances,  is  to  begin  a  new  life.  New 
objects  will  not  suffice  him ;  these  serve  only  for 
diversion  of  thought :  he  requires  a  new  whole,  and 
plants  himself  in  the  middle  of  it." 

"  But  why,  then,"  interrupted  Wilhelm,  "  choose  this 
strangest  and  lonehest  of  all  pursuits  ?  " 

"  Even  because  of  its  loneliness,"  cried  Jarno.  "  Men 
I  wished  to  avoid.  To  them  we  can  give  no  help,  and 
they  hinder  us  from  helping  ourselves.  Are  they 
happy,  we  must  let  them  persevere  in  their  stolidities ; 
are  they  unhappy,  we  must  save  them  without  disturb- 
ing these  stohdities;  and  no  one  ever  asks  whether 
Thou  art  happy  or  unhappy." 

"  It  is  not  quite  so  bad  with  them,  surely,"  answered 
Wilhelm,  smiling. 

"  I  will  not  talk  thee  out  of  thy  happiness,"  said 
Jarno.  "  Go  on  thy  way,  thou  second  Diogenes !  Let 
not  thy  lamp  in  daylight  go  out !  Down  on  that  side 
lies  a  new  world  before  thee ;  but,  I  dare  wager,  things 
stand  there  as  in  the  old  one.  If  thou  canst  not  pimp, 
and  pay  debts,  thou  availest  nothing." 

"  Yet  they  seem  to  me  more  entertaining  than  thy 
dead  rocks,"  said  Wilhelm. 

"  Not  they  !  "  answered  Jarno,  "  for  my  rocks  are  at 
least  incomprehensible." 


CHAPTEK  VL 

The  two  friends  had  descended,  not  without  care  and 
labour,  to  reach  the  children,  who  were  now  lying  in  a 
shady  spot  down  below.  With  almost  greater  eager- 
ness than  their  picnic  repast,  the  collected  rock  speci- 
mens were  unpacked  by  Montan  and  Felix.  The  latter 
had  much  to  ask,  the  former  much  to  nominate.  Felix 
was  delighted  that  his  new  teacher  could  give  him 
names  for  all,  and  he  speedily  committed  them  to 
memory.  At  length  he  produced  another  specimen, 
and  asked,  "  What  do  you  call  this,  then  ? " 

Montan  viewed  it  with  surprise,  and  said,  "  Where 
did  you  get  it  ?  " 

Fitz  answered  promptly, "  I  found  it  myself :  it  is  of 
this  country." 

"  Not  of  this  quarter,"  said  Montan.  Felix  rejoiced 
to  see  his  master  somewhat  puzzled.  "  Thou  shalt  have 
a  ducat,"  said  Montan,  "  if  thou  bring  me  to  the  spot 
where  it  lies." 

"  That  is  easy  to  earn,"  answered  Fitz,  "  but  not 
immediately." 

"  Then,  describe  the  place  to  me  accurately,  that 
I  may  not  fail  to  find  it :  but  the  thing  is  impossible ; 
for  this  is  a  cross-stone,  which  comes  from  Santiago  in 
Compostella,  and  which  some  stranger  has  lost,  —  if, 
indeed,  thou  hast  not  stolen  it  from  him,  for  its  curious 
look." 

"  Give  your  ducat  into  my  master's  hands,"  said 
Fitz,  "  and  I  will  honestly  confess  where  I  got  the 
stone.  In  the  ruined  church  at  St.  Joseph  there  is 
likewise  a  ruined  altar.     Under  the  top-stones,  which 

35 


36  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

are  all  broken  and  heaped  together,  I  discovered  a 
layer  of  this  rock,  which  has  been  the  foundation 
of  the  other,  and  broke  off  from  it  as  much  as  I  could 
come  at.  If  the  upper  stones  were  cleared  away,  one 
micrht  find  much  more  of  it  there." 

"  Take  thy  ducat,"  said  Moutan  :  "  thou  deservest  it 
for  this  discovery.  It  is  pretty  enough.  Men  naturally 
rejoice  when  inanimate  nature  produces  any  likeness  of 
what  they  love  and  reverence.  Nature  then  appears  to 
us  in  the  form  of  a  sibyl,  who  has  beforehand  laid 
down  a  testimony  of  what  had  been  determined  from 
eternity,  and  was  not  to  be  realised  till  late  in  time. 
On  this  rock,  as  on  a  sacred,  mysterious,  primeval  basis, 
the  priests  had  built  their  altar." 

Wilhelm,  who  had  listened  for  awhile,  and  observed 
that  many  names,  many  designations,  were  repeatedly 
mentioned,  again  signified  his  former  wish,  that  Mon- 
tan  would  impart  to  him  so  much  as  was  required  for 
the  primary  instruction  of  the  boy.  "  Give  that  up," 
repUed  Montan.  "  There  is  nothing  more  frightful 
than  a  teacher  who  knows  only  what  his  scholars  are 
intended  to  know.  He  who  means  to  teach  others 
may,  indeed,  often  suppress  the  best  of  what  he  knows ; 
but  he  must  not  be  half  instructed." 

"  But  where  are  such  perfect  teachers  to  be  had  ? " 

"  These  thou  wilt  find  very  easily,"  replied  Moutan. 

"  Where,  then  ?  "  said  Wilhelm,  with  some  unbelief. 

"  Where  the  thing  thou  art  wishing  to  learn  is  in 
practice,"  said  Montan.  "  Our  best  instruction  we 
obtain  from  complete  conversance.  Dost  thou  not 
learn  foreign  languages  best  in  the  countries  where 
they  are  at  home  ?  —  where  only  these  and  no  other 
strike  thy  ear  ?  " 

"  And  so  it  was  among  the  mountains,"  inquired 
Wilhelm,  "  that  thy  knowledge  of  mountains  was 
acquired  ? " 

"  Of  course." 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  37 

"  Without  help  from  men  ?  " 

"  At  least  only  from  men  who  were  miners.  There, 
where  the  pygmies,  allured  by  the  metallic  veins,  bore 
through  the  rock,  making  the  interior  of  the  earth 
accessible,  and  in  a  thousand  ways  endeavouring  to 
solve  the  hardest  problems,  —  there  is  the  place 
where  an  inquiring  thinker  ought  to  take  his  stand. 
He  looks  on  action  and  effort,  watches  the  progress  of 
enterprises,  and  rejoices  in  the  successful  and  the 
unsuccessful.  What  is  useful  forms  but  a  part  of 
the  important.  Fully  to  possess,  to  command,  and 
rule  an  object,  we  must  first  study  it  for  its  own 
sake." 

"  Is  there  such  a  place  in  the  neighl)Ourhood  ? " 
said  Wilhelm.     "  I  should  like  to  take  Felix  thither." 

"  The  question  I  can  answer  in  the  affirmative," 
replied  Montan,  "  the  project  not  exactly  assent  to. 
At  least,  I  must  first  tell  thee,  that  thou  hast  the 
power  of  choosing  among  many  other  branches  of 
activity,  of  knowledge,  of  art,  for  thy  Felix,  some 
of  which  might,  perhaps,  suit  him  better  than  this 
sudden  fancy  which  he  has  taken  up  at  the  moment, 
most  probably  from  mere  imitation." 

"  Explain  thyself  more  clearly,"  interrupted  Wilhelm. 

"Thou  must  know,  then,"  said  Montan,  "that  we 
are  here  on  the  borders  of  a  province,  which  I  might 
justly  call  a  Pedagogic  Utopia.  In  the  conviction  that 
only  one  thing  can  be  carried  on,  taught,  and  com- 
municated with  full  advantages,  several  such  points  of 
active  instruction  have  been,  as  it  were,  sown  over 
a  large  tract  of  country.  At  each  of  these  places  thou 
wilt  find  a  little  world,  but  so  complete  within  its 
limitation,  that  it  may  represent  and  model  any  other 
of  these  worlds,  nay,  the  great  busy  world  itself." 

"  I  do  not  altogether  comprehend  what  thou  canst 
mean  by  this,"  interrupted  Wilhelm. 

"  Thou   shalt   soon   comprehend   it,"  said  the   other. 


38  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"As  down,  not  far  from  this,  among  the  mountains, 
thou  wilt,  in  the  first  place,  find  collected  round  a  mass 
of  metalliferous  rocks,  whatever  is  of  use  for  enabling 
man  to  appropriate  these  treasures  of  Nature,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  to  acquire  general  conceptions  of  mould- 
ing the  ruggedness  of  inanimate  things  more  dexter- 
ously to  his  own  purposes ;  so  down  in  the  lowest 
level,  far  out  on  the  plain,  where  the  soil  spreads  into 
large  meadow^s  and  pastures,  thou  wilt  find  establish- 
ments for  managing  another  important  treasure  which 
Nature  has  given  to  men." 

"  And  this  ?  "  inquired  Wilhelm. 

"  Is  the  horse,"  replied  the  other.  "  In  that  last 
quarter  thou  art  in  the  midst  of  everything  which  can 
instruct  one  on  the  training,  diet,  growth,  and  likewise 
employment,  of  this  noble  animal.  As  in  these  hills 
all  are  busy  digging,  boring,  climbing ;  so  there  nothing 
is  more  anxiously  attended  to  than  the  young  brood, 
springing,  as  it  were,  out  of  the  ground ;  and  every  one 
is  occupied  foddering,  grazing,  driving,  leading,  curbing 
them,  mounting  their  backs,  and  in  all  sorts  of  move- 
ments, natural  and  artificial,  coursing  with  them  over 
the  plain." 

Felix,  who  had  approached  in  the  deepest  attention, 
exclaimed,  interrupting  him,  "  Oh,  thither  will  we ! 
That  is  the  prettiest,  the  best,  of  all," 

"  It  is  far  thither,"  answered  Jarno  ;  "  and  thou  wilt 
find  something  more  agreeable  and  suitable,  perhaps, 
by  the  way.  Any  species  of  activity,"  continued  he, 
"  attracts  the  fondness  of  a  child ;  for  everything  looks 
easy  that  is  practised  to  perfection.  All  beginnings 
are  hard,  says  the  proverb.  This,  in  a  certain  sense, 
may  be  true  :  but  we  might  say,  with  a  more  universal 
application,  All  beginnings  are  easy ;  and  it  is  the  last 
steps  that  are  climbed  most  rarely  and  with  gi-eatest 
difficulty." 

Wilhelm,  who    had    been    reflecting   in   the  mean- 


MEISTER'S  TRAVELS  39 

while,  now  said  to  Moiitan,  "  Is  it  actually  so,  as  thou 
sayest,  tliat  these  people  have  separated  the  various 
sorts  of  activity,  both  in  the  practice  and  teaching  of 
them  ? " 

"  They  have  done  it,"  said  Montan,  "  and  with  rea- 
son. Whatever  any  man  has  to  efl'ect,  nmst  emanate 
from  him  like  a  second  self ;  and  how  could  this 
be  possible,  were  not  his  first  self  entirely  pervaded 
by  it  ? " 

"  Yet  has  not  a  general  culture  been  reckoned  very 
advantageous  ?  " 

"  It  may  really  be  so,"  replied  the  other :  "  everything 
in  its  time.  Now  is  the  time  of  specialties.  Happy 
he  who  understands  this,  and  works  for  himself  and 
others  in  that  spirit." 

"  In  my  spirit  it  cannot  be,"  replied  Willielm ;  "  but 
tell  me,  if  I  thought  of  sending  Felix,  for  awhile,  into 
one  of  these  circles,  which  wouldst  thou  recommend 
to  me?" 

"  It  is  all  one,"  said  Jarno.  "  You  cannot  readily 
tell  which  way  a  child's  capacity  particularly  points. 
For  me,  I  should  still  advise  the  merriest  trade.  Take 
him  to  those  horse-subduers.  Beginning  as  a  groom  is, 
in  truth,  little  easier  than  beginning  as  an  ore-beater : 
but  the  prospect  is  always  gayer ;  you  can  hope  at 
least  to  get  through  the  world  riding." 

It  is  easy  to  conceive  that  Wilhelm  had  many  other 
doubts  to  state,  and  many  further  explanations  to 
require:  these  Jarno  settled  in  his  usual  laconic  way, 
but  at  last  he  broke  out  as  follows :  "  In  all  things,  to 
serve  from  the  lowest  station  upwards  is  necessary. 
To  restrict  yourself  to  a  trade  is  best.  For  the  narrow 
mind,  whatever  he  attempts  is  still  a  trade ;  for  the 
higher,  an  art ;  and  the  highest,  in  doing  one  thing, 
does  all ;  or,  to  speak  less  paradoxically,  in  the  one 
thing  which  he  does  rightly,  he  sees  the  likeness  of  all 
that  is  done  rightly.     Take  thy  Felix,"  continued  he. 


40  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  through  the  province :  let  the  directors  see  him  ;  they 
will  soon  judge  him,  and  dispose  of  him  to  the  best 
advantage.  The  boy  should  be  placed  among  his 
equals,  otherwise  he  seeks  them  for  himself,  and  then, 
in  his  associates,  finds  only  flatterers  or  tyrants." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  third  day  being  over,  the  friends,  in  conformity 
to  the  engagement  of  our  renunciants,  had  to  part ;  and 
Jarno  declared  he  would  now  fly  so  far  into  the  waste 
mountains,  that  no  one  should  he  able  to  discover  him. 
"  There  is  nothing  more  frightful,"  said  he,  "  in  a  state 
like  ours,  than  to  meet  an  old,  true  friend,  to  whom 
we  can  communicate  our  thoughts  without  reserve. 
So  long  as  one  is  by  himself,  one  fancies  there  is  no 
end  to  the  novelties  and  wonders  he  is  studying :  but 
let  the  two  talk  awhile  together,  right  from  the 
heart ;  one  sees  how  soon  all  this  is  exhausted.  Noth- 
ing is  endless  but  inanity.  Clever  people  soon  explain 
themselves  to  one  another,  and  then  they  have  done. 
But  now  I  will  dive  into  the  chasms  of  the  rocks,  and 
with  them  begin  a  mute,  unfathomable  conversation." 

"Have  a  care,"  said  Wilhelm,  smiling,  "lest  Fitz 
come  upon  thy  track.  This  time,  at  least,  he  succeeded 
in  finding  thee." 

"How  didst  thou  manage  that?"  said  Montan. 
"  After  all,  it  was  only  chance." 

"  Not  in  the  least,"  answered  Fitz :  "  I  will  tell  you 
my  secret  for  a  fair  consideration.  You  mineralogists, 
wherever  you  go,  keep  striking  to  the  right  and  left; 
from  every  stone,  from  every  rock,  breaking  off  a  piece, 
as  if  gold  and  silver  were  hid  in  them.  One  has  but 
to  follow  this  trace ;  and,  where  any  corner  shows  a 
fresh  breakage,  there  some  of  you  have  been.  One 
notes  and  notes  forward  and  forward,  and  at  last 
comes  upon  the  man." 

Fitz  was  praised  and  rewarded.     The  friends  parted, 

41 


42  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

—  Moutan  alone,  tlie  little  caravan  in  company.  Wil- 
helm  had  settled  the  place  they  should  make  for.  The 
porter  proposed  a  road  to  it ;  hut  the  children  had 
taken  a  fancy  for  looking,  by  the  way,  at  the  Giant's 
Castle,  of  which  Fitz  had  talked  so  much.  Felix  was 
curious  about  the  large,  black  pillars,  the  great  door, 
the  cellar,  the  caves,  and  vaults,  and  hoped  he  might 
perhaps  find  something  there,  —  something  of  even 
greater  value  than  the  box. 

How  he  came  by  this  he  had,  in  the  interim,  in- 
formed his  father.  Creeping  through  the  cleft,  it 
appeared  he  had  got  down  into  an  open  space  pretty 
well  lighted,  and  noticed  in  the  corner  of  it  a  large 
iron  chest,  the  lid  of  which,  though  it  was  not  locked, 
he  could  not  lift,  but  only  raise  a  very  little.  To  get 
into  this,  he  had  called  to  his  father  for  the  staves, 
which  he  had  employed  partly  as  props  under  the  lid, 
partly  as  levers  to  heave  it  up,  and  so  at  length  forcing 
his  way  into  the  chest,  had  found  it  wholly  empty, 
except  for  the  little  box  which  was  lying  in  one  of 
the  nooks.  This  toy  they  had  shown  Montan,  who 
agreed  with  them  in  opinion,  that  it  should  be  kept 
unopened,  and  no  violence  done  to  it ;  for  it  could  not 
be  unlocked  except  by  a  very  complicated  key. 

The  porter  declined  going  with  the  rest  to  the 
Giant's  Castle,  and  proceeded  down  the  smooth  foot- 
path by  himself.  The  others  toiled  after  Fitz  through 
moss  and  tangle,  and  at  length  reached  the  natural 
colonnade,  which,  towering  over  a  huge  mass  of  frag- 
ments, rose  black  and  wondrous  into  the  air.  Yet, 
without  much  regarding  what  he  saw  before  his  eyes, 
Felix  instantly  began  inquiring  for  the  other  promised 
marvels ;  and,  as  none  of  them  was  to  be  seen,  Fitz 
could  excuse  himself  no  otherwise  than  by  declaring 
that  these  things  were  never  visible  except  on  Sun- 
days and  particular  festivals,  and  then  only  for  a  few 
hours.     The  boys  remained  convinced  that  the  pillared 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  43 

palace  was  a  work  of  men's  hands :  Wilhelm  saw  well 
that  it  was  a  work  of  Nature,  but  lie  could  have  wished 
for  Montan  to  speak  with  on  the  subject. 

They  now  proceeded  rapidly  down  hill,  through  a 
wood  of  high,  taper  larches,  which,  becoming  more 
and  more  transparent,  erelong  exposed  to  view  the 
fairest  spot  you  can  imagine,  lying  in  the  clearest 
sunshine. 

A  large  garden,  seemingly  appropriated  to  use,  not 
ornament,  lay  richly  furnished  with  fruit-trees,  yet 
open  before  their  eyes ;  for  the  ground,  sloping,  on  the 
whole,  had  been  regularly  cut  into  a  number  of  di- 
visions, now  raised,  now  hollowed  in  manifold  variety, 
and  thus  exhibited  a  complex  waving  surface.  Several 
dwelling-houses  stood  scattered  up  and  down,  so  that 
it  seemed  as  if  the  space  belonged  to  several  proprie- 
tors ;  yet  Fitz  assured  them  that  one  individual  owned 
and  directed  the  whole.  Beyond  the  garden  stretched  a 
boundless  landscape,  beautifully  cultivated  and  planted, 
in  which  lakes  and  rivers  might  be  distinguished  in 
the  distance. 

Still  descending,  they  had  approached  nearer  and 
nearer,  and  were  now  expecting  in  a  few  moments  to 
be  in  the  garden,  when  Wilhelm  all  at  once  stopped 
short,  and  Fitz  could  not  hide  his  roguish  satisfaction ; 
for  a  yawning  chasm  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain 
opened  before  them,  and  showed  on  the  other  side  a 
wall  which  had  hitherto  been  concealed,  steep  enough 
without,  though  within  it  was  quite  filled  up  with  soil. 
A  deep  trench,  therefore,  separated  them  from  the 
garden,  into  w^hich  they  were  directly  looking.  "We 
have  still  a  good  circuit  to  make,"  said  Fitz,  "  before 
we  get  the  road  that  leads  in.  However,  I  know  an 
entrance  on  this  side,  which  is  much  shorter.  The 
vaults  where  the  hill-water  in  time  of  rain  is  let 
through,  in  regular  quantities,  into  the  garden,  open 
here :  they  are  high,  and  broad  enough  for  one  to  walk 


44  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

along  without  difficulty."  The  instant  Felix  heard  of 
vaults,  he  insisted  on  taking  this  passage  and  no  other. 
Wilhelm  followed  the  children;  and  the  party  de- 
scended the  large  steps  of  this  covered  aqueduct,  which 
was  now  lying  quite  dry.  Down  below  they  found 
themselves  sometimes  in  light,  sometimes  in  darkness, 
according  as  the  side-openings  admitted  day,  or  the 
walls  and  pillars  excluded  it.  At  last  they  reached  a 
pretty  even  space,  and  were  slowly  proceeding,  when 
all  at  once  a  shot  went  off  beside  them ;  and  at  the 
same  time  two  secret  iron-grated  doors  started  out, 
and  enclosed  them  on  both  sides.  Not,  indeed,  the 
whole  of  them :  Wilhelm  and  Felix  only  were  caught. 
For  Fitz,  the  instant  he  heard  the  shot,  sprang  back ; 
and  the  closing  grate  caught  nothing  but  his  wide 
sleeve :  he  himself,  nimbly  throwing  off  his  jacket,  had 
darted  away  without  loss  of  a  moment. 

The  two  prisoners  had  scarcely  time  to  recover  from 
their  astonishment,  till  they  heard  voices,  which  ap- 
peared to  be  slowly  approaching.  In  a  little  while 
some  armed  men  with  torches  came  forward  to  the 
grate,  looking  with  eager  eyes  what  sort  of  capture 
they  had  made.  At  the  same  time  they  asked  if 
the  prisoners  would  surrender  peaceably.  "  Surrender 
is  not  the  word  here,"  said  Wilhelm :  "  we  are  already 
in  your  power.  It  is  rather  our  part  to  ask,  whether 
you  will  spare  us  ?  The  only  weapon  we  have,  I  give 
up  to  you."  And  with  these  words  he  handed  his 
hanger  through  the  grate :  this  opened  directly,  and 
the  two  strangers  were  led  forward  by  the  party 
with  great  composure.  After  a  short  while  they  found 
themselves  in  a  singular  place  :  it  was  a  spacious, 
cleanly  apartment,  with  many  little  windows  at  the 
very  top  of  the  walls ;  and  these,  notwithstanding 
the  thick  iron  gratings,  admitted  light  enough.  Seats, 
sleeping-places,  and  whatever  else  is  expected  in 
a  middling  inn,  had  been  provided  ;   and  it    seemed 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  45 

as  if  any  one  placed    here    could    want    nothing    Ijut 
freedom. 

Wilhelni,  directly  after  entering,  had  sat  down  to 
consider  his  situation :  Felix,  on  the  other  hand,  on 
recovering  from  his  astonishment,  broke  out  into  an 
incredible  fury.  These  large  walls,  these  high  win- 
dows, these  strong  doors,  this  seclusion,  this  restric- 
tion, were  entirely  new  to  him.  He  looked  round 
and  round,  he  ran  hither  and  thither,  stamped  with 
his  feet,  wept,  rattled  the  doors,  struck  against  tliem 
with  his  fists,  nay,  was  even  on  the  point  of  running 
at  them  with  his  head,  had  not  Wilhelm  seized  him, 
and  held  him  fast  between  his  knees.  "  Do  but  look 
at  i,>.3  thing  calmly,  my  son,"  began  he ;  "  for  im- 
patience and  violence  cannot  help  us.  The  mystery 
will  clear  up ;  and  I  must  be  widely  mistaken,  or  we 
are  fallen  into  no  wicked  hands.  Read  these  inscrip- 
tions :  '  To  the  innocent,  dehverance  and  reparation ; 
to  the  misled,  compassion ;  and,  to  the  guilty,  avenging 
justice.'  All  this  bespeaks  to  us  that  these  establish- 
ments are  works,  not  of  cruelty,  but  of  necessity.  Men 
have  but  too  much  cause  to  secure  themselves  from 
men.  Of  ill-wishers  there  are  many,  of  ill-doers  not 
few ;  and,  to  live  fitly,  well-doing  will  not  always 
suffice."  Felix  still  sobbed ;  but  he  had  pacified  him- 
self in  some  degree,  more  by  the  caresses  than  the 
words  of  his  father.  "  Let  this  experience,"  con- 
tinued Wilhelm,  "  which  thou  gainest  so  early  and  so 
innocently,  remain  a  lively  testimony  to  thy  mind,  in 
how  complete  and  accomplished  a  century  thou  livest. 
What  a  journey  had  human  nature  to  travel  before  it 
reached  the  point  of  being  mild,  even  to  the  guilty, 
merciful  to  the  injurious,  humane  to  the  inhuman ! 
Doubtless  they  were  men  of  godlike  souls  who  first 
taught  this,  who  spent  their  lives  in  rendering  the 
practice  of  it  possible,  and  recommending  it  to  others. 
Of  the  beautiful,  men  are  seldom  capable,  oftener  of 


46  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

the  good ;  and  how  highly  should  we  value  those  who 
endeavour,  with  great  sacrifices,  to  forward  that  good 
among  their  fellows  ! " 

Felix,  in  the  course  of  this  consolatory  speech,  had 
fallen  quietly  asleep  on  his  father's  bosom  ;  and  scarcely 
had  the  latter  laid  him  down  on  one  of  the  ready-made 
beds,  when  the  door  opened,  and  a  man  of  prepossessing 
appearance  stepped  in.  After  looking  kindly  at  Wil- 
helm  for  some  time,  he  began  to  inquire  about  the 
cii'cumstances  which  had  led  him  by  the  private  pas- 
sage, and  into  this  predicament.  Wilhelm  related  the 
affair  as  it  stood,  produced  some  papers  which  served 
to  explain  who  he  was,  and  referred  to  the  porter,  who, 
he  said,  must  soon  arrive  on  the  other  side,  by  the 
usual  road.  This  being  so  far  explained,  the  official 
person  invited  his  guest  to  follow  him.  Felix  could 
not  be  awakened,  and  his  father  carried  him  asleep 
from  the  place  which  had  incited  him  to  such  violent 
passion. 

Wilhelm  followed  his  conductor  into  a  fair  garden- 
apartment,  where  refreshments  were  set  down,  which 
he  was  invited  to  partake  of ;  while  the  other  went  to 
report  the  state  of  matters  to  his  superior.  When 
Felix,  on  awakening,  perceived  a  httle  covered  table, 
fruit,  wine,  biscuit,  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  cheerful 
aspect  of  a  wide-open  door,  he  knew  not  what  to  make 
of  it.  He  ran  out,  he  ran  back ;  he  thought  he  had 
been  dreaming ;  and  in  a  little  while,  with  such  dainty 
fare  and  such  pleasant  sights,  the  preceding  terror  and 
all  his  obstruction  had  vanished  like  an  oppressive 
vision  in  the  brightness  of  morning. 

The  porter  had  arrived ;  the  officer,  with  another 
man  of  a  still  friendlier  aspect,  brought  him  in ;  and 
the  business  now  came  to  light,  as  follows :  The  owner 
of  this  property,  charitable  in  this  higher  sense,  that 
he  studied  to  awaken  all  round  him  to  activity  and 
effort,  had,  for  several  years,  been  accustomed,  from  his 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  47 

boundless  young  plantations,  to  give  out  the  small 
wood  to  diligent  and  careful  cultivators,  gratis ;  to  the 
negligent,  for  a  certain  price ;  and  to  such  as  wished  to 
trade  in  it,  likewise  at  a  moderate  valuation.  But 
these  two  latter  classes,  also,  had  required  their  supplies 
gratis,  as  the  meritorious  were  treated  ;  and,  this  being 
refused  them,  they  had  attempted  stealing  trees.  Their 
attempt  succeeded  in  many  ways.  This  vexed  the 
owner  the  more,  as  not  only  were  the  plantations 
plundered,  but,  by  too  early  thinning,  often  ruined. 
It  had  been  discovered  that  the  thieves  entered  by 
this  aqueduct :  so  the  trap-gate  had  been  erected  in  the 
place,  with  a  spring-gun,  which,  however,  was  only 
meant  for  a  signal.  This  little  buy  had,  under  various 
pretexts,  often  made  his  appearance  in  the  garden ; 
and  nothing  was  more  natural  than  that,  out  of  mis- 
chief and  audacity,  he  should  lead  the  stranger  by  a 
road  which  he  had  formerly  discovered  for  other  pur- 
poses. The  people  could  have  wished  to  get  hold  of 
him :  meanwhile,  his  httle  jacket  was  brought  in,  and 
put  by  among  other  judicial  seizures. 

Wilhelm  was  now  made  acquainted  with  the  owner 
and  his  people,  and  by  them  received  with  the  friend- 
liest welcome.  Of  this  family  we  shall  say  nothing 
more  here,  as  some  further  hght  on  them  and  their 
concerns  is  offered  us  by  the  subsequent  history. 


CHAPTEE   VIII. 

Wilhelm  to  Natalia. 

Man  is  of  a  companionable,  conversing  nature :  his 
delight  is  great  when  he  exercises  faculties  that  have 
been  given  him,  even  though  nothing  further  came  of 
it.  How  often  in  society  do  we  hear  the  complaint 
that  one  will  not  let  the  other  speak ;  and  in  the  same 
manner,  also,  we  might  say,  that  one  would  not  let  the 
other  write,  were  not  writing  an  employment  commonly 
transacted  in  private  and  alone. 

How  much  people  write,  one  could  scarcely  ever 
conjecture.  I  speak  not  of  what  is  printed,  though 
that,  in  itself ,  is  abundant  enough,  but  of  all  that, 
in  the  shape  of  letters  and  memorials  and  narratives, 
anecdotes,  descriptions  of  present  circumstances  in  the 
life  of  individuals,  sketches,  and  larger  essays,  circu- 
lates in  secret :  of  this  you  can  form  no  idea,  till  you 
have  lived  for  some  time  in  a  community  of  cultivated 
families,  as  I  am  now  doing.  In  the  sphere  where  I 
am  moving  at  present,  there  is  almost  as  much  time 
employed  in  informing  friends  and  relatives  of  what  is 
transacted  as  was  employed  in  transacting  it.  This 
observation,  which  for  several  weeks  has  been  con- 
stantly forced  on  me,  I  now  make  with  the  more 
pleasure,  as  the  writing  tendency  of  my  new  friends 
enables  me,  at  once  and  perfectly,  to  get  acquainted 
with  their  characters  and  circumstances.  I  am  trusted  : 
a  sheaf  of  letters  is  given  to  me,  some  quires  of  a  trav- 
elhng-journal,  the  confessions  of  some  mind  not  yet  in 
unity   with  itself;  and    thus    everywhere,  in  a  little 

48 


Ll«U>.Xi4pL 


"  Here,  accordingly,  are  some  letters  " 

Photogravure  from  the  painting  by  E.  Meissonier 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  49 

while,  I  am  at  home.  1  know  the  neighbouring  circle, 
I  know  the  persons  whose  acquaintance  I  am  to  obtain  : 
I  understand  them  better,  almost,  than  they  do  them- 
selves ;  seeing  they  are  still  implicated  in  their  situa- 
tion, while  I  hover  lightly  past  them,  ever  with  thy 
hand  in  mine,  ever  speaking  with  thee  about  all  I  see. 
Indeed,  it  is  the  first  condition  I  make  before  accepting 
any  confidence  offered  me,  that  I  may  impart  it  to 
thee.  Here,  accordingly,  are  some  letters  which  will 
introduce  thee  into  the  circle  in  which,  without  break- 
ing or  evading  my  vow,  I,  for  the  present,  revolve. 


THE   NUT-BKOWN   MAID. 

Lenardo  to  his  Aunt. 

At  last,  dear  aunt,  after  three  years  you  receive  my 
first  letter,  conformably  to  our  engagement,  which,  in 
truth,  was  singular  enough.  I  wished  to  see  the  world 
and  mingle  in  it,  and  wished,  during  that  period,  to 
forget  the  home  whence  I  had  departed,  whither  I 
hoped  to  return.  The  whole  impression  of  this  home 
I  purposed  to  retain,  and  the  partial  and  individual 
was  not  to  confuse  me  at  a  distance.  Meanwhile  the 
necessary  tokens  of  life  and  welfare  have,  from  time  to 
time,  passed  to  and  fro  between  us.  I  have  regularly 
received  money,  and  little  presents  for  my  kindred 
have  been  delivered  you  for  distribution.  By  the 
wares  I  sent,  you  would  see  how  and  where  I  was. 
By  the  wines,  I  doubt  not  my  uncle  has  tasted  out  my 
several  places  of  abode ;  then  the  laces,  knick-knacks, 
steel  wares,  would  indicate  to  my  fair  cousins  my 
progress  through  Brabant,  by  Paris,  to  London  ;  and  so, 
on  their  writing-desks,  work-boxes,  tea-tables,  I  shall 
find  many  a  symbol  wherewith  to  connect  the  history 
of  my  journeyings.  You  have  accompanied  me  with- 
out hearing  of  me,  and,  perhaps,  may  care  little  about 


50  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

knowing  more.  For  me,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  highly 
desirable  to  learn,  through  your  kindness,  how  it  stands 
with  the  circle  into  which  I  am  once  more  entering. 
I  would,  in  truth,  return  from  strange  countries  as  a 
stranger,  who,  that  he  may  not  be  unpleasant,  first 
informs  himself  about  the  way  and  manner  of  his 
household ;  not  fancying,  that,  for  his  fine  eyes  or  hair, 
he  shall  be  received  there  quite  in  his  own  fashion. 
Write  to  me,  therefore,  of  my  worthy  uncle,  of  your 
fair  nieces,  of  yourself,  of  our  relations  near  and  distant, 
of  servants  also,  old  and  new.  In  short,  let  your  prac- 
tised pen,  which  for  so  long  a  time  you  have  not  dipped 
into  ink  for  your  nephew,  now  again  tint  paper  in  the 
favour.  Your  letter  of  news  shall  forthwith  be  my 
credential,  with  which  I  introduce  myself  so  soon  as  I 
obtain  it.  On  you,  therefore,  it  depends,  whether  you 
will  see  me  or  not.  We  alter  far  less  than  we  imagine ; 
and  circumstances,  too,  continue  much  as  they  were. 
Not  only  what  has  altered,  but  what  has  continued, 
what  has  by  degrees  waxed  and  waned,  do  I  now  wish 
instantly  to  recognise  at  my  return,  and  so  once  more 
to  see  myself  in  a  well-known  mirror.  Present  my 
heartiest  salutations  to  all  our  people,  and  believe,  that, 
in  the  singular  manner  of  my  absence  and  my  return, 
there  may  lie  more  true  aifection  than  is  often  found 
in  constant  participation  and  lively  intercourse.  A 
thousand  comphments  to  one  and  all ! 

Postscript.  —  Neglect  not,  also,  my  dear  aunt,  to  say 
a  word  or  two  about  our  dependants,  —  how  it  stands 
with  our  stewards  and  farmers.  What  has  become  of 
Valerina,  the  daughter  of  that  farmer  whom  my  uncle, 
with  justice  certainly,  but  also,  as  I  thought,  with  some 
severity,  ejected  from  his  lands  when  I  went  away  ? 
You  see,  I  still  remember  many  a  particular :  I  still 
know  all.  On  the  past  you  shall  examine  me  when 
you  have  told  me  of  the  present. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  51 


The  Aunt  to  Jidictta. 


At  last,  dear  childreu,  a  letter  from  our  three- 
years'  speechless  traveller.  What  strauge  beiugs  these 
strange  men  are !  He  will  have  it  that  his  wares  and 
tokens  were  as  good  as  so  many  kind  words,  which 
friend  may  speak  or  write  to  friend.  He  actually 
fancies  himself  our  creditor,  requires  from  ils,  in  the 
first  place,  the  performance  of  that  service  which  he 
so  unkindly  refused.  What  is  to  be  done  ?  For  me,  I 
should  have  met  his  wishes  forth\vith  in  a  long 
letter,  did  not  this  headache  signify  too  clearly  that 
the  present  sheet  can  scarcely  be  filled.  We  all  long 
to  see  him.  Do  you,  my  dears,  undertake  the  business. 
Should  I  be  recovered  before  you  have  done,  I  will 
contribute  my  share.  Choose  the  persons  and  circum- 
stances, as  you  hke  best  to  describe  them.  Divide  the 
task.  You  will  do  it  all  far  better  than  I.  The  mes- 
senger will  bring  me  back  a  note  from  you. 

Jidietta  to  her  Aitnt. 

We  have  read  and  considered,  and  now  send  you 
by  the  messenger  our  view  of  the  matter,  each  in 
particular;  having  first  jointly  signified  that  we  are 
not  so  charitable  as  our  dear  aunt  to  her  ever  perverse 
nephew.  Now,  when  he  has  kept  his  cards  hid  from 
us  for  three  years,  and  still  keeps  them  hid,  we,  for- 
sooth, are  to  spread  ours  on  the  table,  and  play  an 
open  against  a  secret  game.  This  is  not  fair,  and  yet 
let  it  pass ;  for  the  craftiest  is  often  caught,  simply  by 
his  own  overanxious  precautions.  But,  as  to  the  way 
and  manner  of  transacting  this  commission,  we  are 
not  agreed.  To  write  of  our  familiars  as  we  think  of 
them  is  for  us,  at  least,  a  very  strange  problem.  Com- 
monly we  do  not  think  of  them  at  all,  except  in  this 
or  that  particular  case,  when  they  give  us  some  satis- 


52  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

faction  or  vexation.  At  other  times  each  lets  his 
neighbour  go  his  way.  You  alone  could  manage  it, 
dear  aunt ;  for  you  have  both  the  penetration  and  the 
tolerance.  Hersiha,  who,  you  know,  is  not  difficult 
to  kindle,  has  just,  on  the  spur  of  the  moment,  given 
me  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the  whole  family  in  all  the 
gi-aces  of  caricature.  I  wish  it  stood  on  paper,  to 
entice  a  smile  from  yourself  in  your  illness,  but  not 
that  I  would  have  it  sent.  My  own  project  is,  to  lay 
before  him  our  correspondence  for  these  three  years : 
then  let  him  read,  if  he  have  the  heart;  or  let  him 
come  and  see  wdth  his  eyes,  if  he  have  not.  Your 
letters  to  me,  dear  aunt,  are  in  the  best  order,  and  all  at 
your  service.  Hersilia  dissents  from  this  opinion, 
excuses  herself  with  the  disorder  of  her  papers,  and 
so  forth,  as  she  will  tell  you  herseK. 

Hersilia  to  her  Aunt. 

I  will  and  must  be  very  brief,  dear  aunt ;  for  the 
messenger  is  clownishly  impatient.  I  reckon  it  an 
excess  of  generosity,  and  not  at  all  in  season,  to  sub- 
mit our  correspondence  to  Lenardo.  What  has  he  to 
do  with  knowing  all  the  good  we  have  said  of  him, 
with  knowing  all  the  ill  we  have  said  of  him,  and 
finding  out  from  the  latter,  still  more  than  from  the 
former,  that  we  like  him  ?  Hold  him  tight,  I  entreat 
you  !  There  is  something  so  precise  and  presumptuous 
in  this  demand,  in  this  conduct,  of  his,  —  just  the 
fashion  of  your  young  gentlemen  when  they  return 
from  foreign  parts.  They  can  never  look  on  those 
who  have  stayed  at  home  as  full-grown  persons,  hke 
themselves.  Make  your  headache  an  excuse.  He  will 
come,  doubtless ;  and,  if  he  do  not  come,  we  can  wait 
a  little.  Perhaps  his  next  idea  may  be,  to  introduce 
himself  in  some  strange,  secret  way,  to  become  ac- 
quainted with  us  in  disguise ;  and  who  knows  what 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  S3 

more  may  be  included  in  the  plan  of  so  deep  a  gentle- 
man ?  How  pretty  and  curious  this  would  be!  It 
could  not  fail  to  bring  about  all  manner  of  embroil- 
ments and  developments,  far  grander  than  any  that 
could  be  produced  by  such  a  diplomatic  entrance  into 
his  family  as  he  now  purposes. 

The  messenger!  The  messenger!  Bring  up  your 
old  people  better,  or  send  young  ones.  This  man  is 
neither  to  be  pacified  with  flattery  nor  wine.  A  thou- 
sand farewells ! 

Postscript  for  Postscri2yt.  —  What  does  our  cousin 
want,  will  you  tell  me,  with  his  postscript  of  Valerina  ? 
This  question  of  his  has  struck  me  doubly.  She  is 
the  only  person  whom  he  mentions  by  name.  The 
rest  of  us  are  nieces,  aunts,  stewards,  —  not  persons, 
but  titles.  Valerina,  our  lawyer's  daughter !  In  truth, 
a  pretty,  fair-haired  girl,  that  may  have  glanced  in  our 
gallant  cousin's  eyes  before  he  went  away.  She  is 
married  well  and  happily:  this  to  you  is  no  news; 
but  to  him  it  is,  of  course,  as  unknown  as  everything 
that  has  occurred  here.  Forget  not  to  inform  him, 
in  a  postscript,  that  Valerina  grew  daily  more  and 
more  beautiful,  and  so  at  last  made  a  very  good  match. 
That  she  is  the  wife  of  a  rich  proprietor.  That  the 
lovely,  fair-haired  maid  is  married.  Make  it  perfectly 
distinct  to  him.  But  neither  is  this  all,  dear  aunt. 
How  the  man  can  so  accurately  remember  his  flaxen- 
headed  beauty,  and  yet  confound  her  with  the  daughter 
of  that  worthless  farmer,  with  a  wild  humble-bee  of  a 
brunette,  whose  name  was  Nachodina,  and  who  went 
away.  Heaven  knows  whither,  —  this,  I  declare  to  you, 
remains  entirely  incomprehensible,  and  puzzles  me  quite 
excessively.  For  it  seems  as  if  our  pretty  cousin,  who 
prides  himself  on  his  good  memory,  could  change 
names  and  persons  to  a  very  strange  degree.  Perhaps 
he  feels  this  obscurely  himself,  and  would  have  the 


54  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

faded  image  refreshed  by  your  delineation.  Hold 
him  tight,  I  beg  of  you !  but  try  to  learn,  for  our  own 
behoof,  how  it  does  stand  with  these  Valerinas  and 
Nachodinas,  and  how  many  more  Inas  and  Triuas  have 
retained  their  place  in  his  imagination,  while  the  poor 
Ettas  and  Ilias  have  vanished.  The  messenger !  The 
cursed  messenger ! 

The  Aunt  to  her  Nieces. 
(Dictated.) 

Why  should  we  dissemble  toward  those  we  have  to 
spend  our  life  with  ?  Lenardo,  with  all  his  peculi- 
arities, deserves  confidence.  I  send  him  both  your 
letters ;  from  these  he  will  get  a  view  of  you :  and  the 
rest  of  us,  I  hope,  will  erelong  unconsciously  find 
occasion  to  depict  ourselves  before  him  likewise.  Fare- 
well !     My  head  is  very  painful. 

Hersilia  to  her  Aunt. 

Why  should  we  dissemble  toward  those  we  have  to 
spend  our  life  with  ?  Lenardo  is  a  spoiled  nephew.  It 
is  horrible  in  you  to  send  him  our  letters.  From  these 
he  will  get  no  real  view  of  us;  and  I  wish,  with  all 
my  heart,  for  opportunity  to  let  him  view  me  in  some 
other  light.  You  give  pain  to  others,  while  you  are 
in  pain  yourself,  and  blind  to  boot.  Quick  recovery 
to  your  head !     Your  heart  is  irrecoverable. 

TJie  Aunt  to  Hersilia. 

Thy  last  note  I  should  likewise  have  packed  in  for 
Lenardo,  had  I  happened  to  continue  by  the  purpose 
which  my  irrecoverable  heart,  my  sick  head,  and  my 
love  of  ease,  suggested  to  me.  Your  letters  are  not 
gone.     I  am  just  parting  with  the  young  man  who 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  55 

has  been  for  some  time  living  in  our  circle,  who,  by 
the  straDgest  chance,  has  come  to  know  us  pretty  well, 
and  is,  withal,  of  an  intelligent  and  kindly  nature. 
Him  I  am  despatching.  He  undertakes  the  task  witli 
gi-eat  readiness.  He  will  prepare  our  nephew,  and 
send  or  bring  him.  Thus  can  your  aunt  recollect 
herself  in  the  course  of  a  rash  enterprise,  and  bend 
into  another  path.  Hersilia  also  will  take  thought, 
and  a  friendly  revocation  will  not  long  be  wanting 
from  her  hand. 

Wilhelm  having  accurately  and  circumstantially 
fulfilled  this  task,  Lenardo  answered  with  a  smile, 
"  Much  as  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  what  you  tell 
me,  I  must  still  put  another  question.  Did  not  my 
aunt,  in  conclusion,  request  you  also  to  inform  me  of 
another,  and,  seemingly,  an  unimportant,  matter  ?  " 

Wilhelm  thought  a  moment.  "  Yes,"  said  he  then : 
"  I  remember.  She  mentioned  a  lady,  named  Valerina. 
Of  her  I  was  to  tell  you  that  she  is  happily  wedded, 
and  every  way  well." 

"You  roll  a  stone  from  my  heart,"  replied  Lenardo. 
"  I  now  gladly  return  home,  since  I  need  not  fear  that 
my  recollection  of  this  girl  can  reproach  me  there." 

"  It  beseems  not  me  to  inquire  what  relation  you 
have  had  to  her,"  said  Wilhelm :  "  only  you  may  be 
at  ease  if  in  any  way  you  feel  concerned  for  her 
fortunes." 

"  It  is  the  strangest  relation  in  the  world,"  returned 
Lenardo,  — "  nowise  a  love-matter,  as  you  might,  per- 
haps, conjecture.  I  may  confide  in  you,  and  tell  it ; 
as,  indeed,  there  is  next  to  nothing  to  be  told.  But 
what  must  you  think,  when  I  assure  you  that  this 
faltering  in  my  return,  this  fear  of  revisiting  our  family, 
these  strange  preparatives,  and  inquiries  how  things 
looked  at  home,  had  no  other  object  but  to  learn,  by 
the  way,  how  it  stood  with  this  young  woman  ? 


56  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  For  you  will  believe,"  continued  he,  "  I  am  very- 
well  aware  that  we  may  leave  people  whom  we  know 
without  finding  them,  even  after  a  considerable  time, 
much  altered ;  and  so  I  likewise  expect  very  soon  to  be 
quite  at  home  with  my  relatives.  This  single  being 
only  gave  me  pause:  her  fortune,  I  knew,  must  have 
changed;  and,  thank  Heaven,  it  has  changed  for  the 
better." 

"  You  excite  my  curiosity,"  said  Wilhelm.  "  There 
must  be  something  singular  in  this." 

"  I,  at  least,  think  it  so,"  rephed  Lenardo,  and  began 
his  narrative  as  follows  :  — 

"  To  accomphsh,  in  my  youth,  the  grand  adventure 
of  a  tour  through  cultivated  Europe  was  a  fixed  pur- 
pose, which  I  had  entertained  from  boyhood ;  but  the 
execution  of  which  was,  as  usually  happens  in  these 
things,  from  time  to  time  postponed.  What  was  at 
hand  attracted  me,  retained  me ;  and  the  distant  lost 
more  and  more  of  its  charms  the  more  I  read  of  it  or 
heard  it  talked  of.  However,  at  last,  incited  by  my 
uncle,  allured  by  friends  who  had  gone  forth  into  the 
world  before  me,  I  did  form  the  resolution,  and  that 
more  rapidly  than  any  one  had  been  expecting. 

"  My  uncle,  who  had  to  afford  the  main  requisite  for 
my  enterprise,  directly  made  this  his  chief  concern. 
You  know  him,  and  the  way  he  has,  —  how  he  still 
rushes  with  his  whole  force  on  one  single  object,  and 
everything  else  in  the  meanwhile  must  rest  and  be  silent : 
by  which  means,  indeed,  he  has  effected  much  that 
seemed  to  He  beyond  the  influence  of  any  private  man. 
This  journey  came  upon  him,  in  some  degree,  unawares ; 
yet  he  very  soon  took  his  measures.  Some  buildings 
which  he  had  planned,  nay,  even  begun,  were  aban- 
doned ;  and,  as  he  never  on  any  account  meddles  with 
his  accumulated  stock,  he  looked  about  him,  as  a 
prudent  financier,  for  other  ways  and  means.  The 
most  obvious  plan  was,  to  call  in  outstanding  debts. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  57 

especially  remainders  of  rent ;  for  this,  also,  was  one  of 
bis  habits,  that  be  was  indulgent  to  debtors,  so  long  as 
be  himself  bad,  to  a  certain  degree,  no  need  of  money. 
He  gave  bis  steward  the  list,  with  orders  to  manage 
the  business.  Of  individual  cases  we  learned  nothing : 
only  1  heard  transiently,  that  the  farmer  of  one  of  our 
estates,  with  whom  my  uncle  had  long  exercised  pa- 
tience, was  at  last  actually  to  be  ejected ;  bis  caution- 
ary pledge,  a  scanty  supplement  to  the  produce  of  this 
prosecution,  to  be  retained,  and  the  land  to  be  let  to 
some  other  person.  This  man  was  of  a  religious  turn, 
but  not,  like  others  of  his  sect  among  us,  shrewd  and 
active  withal;  for  his  piety  and  his  goodness  be  was  loved 
by  his  neighbours,  but,  at  the  same  time,  censured  for 
bis  weakness,  as  the  master  of  a  house.  After  the 
death  of  his  wife,  a  daughter,  whom  we  usually  named 
the  Nut-brown  Maid,  though  already  giving  promise  of 
activity  and  resolution,  was  still  too  young  for  taking 
a  decisive  management :  in  short,  the  man  went  back 
in  Ms  affairs;  and  my  uncle's  indulgence  bad  not 
stayed  the  sinking  of  liis  fortune. 

"  I  bad  my  journey  in  my  head,  and  could  not  quar- 
rel with  the  means  for  accomplishing  it.  All  was 
ready :  packing  and  sorting  went  forward ;  every 
moment  was  becoming  full  of  business.  One  evening 
I  was  strolling  through  the  park  for  the  last  time,  to 
take  leave  of  my  familiar  trees  and  bushes,  when  all  at 
once  Valerina  stepped  into  my  way,  —  for  such  was 
the  girl's  name :  the  other  was  but  a  by-name,  occa- 
sioned by  her  brown  complexion.  She  stepped  into 
my  way." 

Leuardo  paused  for  a  moment,  as  if  considering. 
"  How  is  this,  then  ? "  said  he.  "  Was  her  name  really 
Valerina  ?  Yes,  surely,"  he  continued ;  "  but  the  by- 
name was  more  common.  In  short,  the  brown  maid 
came  into  my  path,  and  pressingly  entreated  me  to 
speak  a  good  word  for  her  father,  for  herself,  to  my 


58  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

uncle.  Knowing  how  the  matter  stood,  and  seeing 
clearly  that  it  would  be  difficult,  nay,  impossible,  to  do 
her  any  service  at  this  moment,  I  candidly  told  her  so, 
and  set  before  her  the  blameworthiness  of  her  father 
in  an  unfavourable  light. 

"  She  answered  this  with  so  much  clearness,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  with  so  much  filial  mitigation  and  love, 
that  quite  gained  me ;  and,  had  it  been  my  own 
money,  I  should  instantly  have  made  her  happy  by 
granting  her  request.  But  it  was  my  uncle's  income ; 
these  were  his  arrangements,  his  orders :  with  such  a 
temper  as  his,  to  attempt  altering  aught  that  had  been 
done  was  hopeless.  From  of  old  I  had  looked  on  a 
promise  as  in  the  highest  degree  sacred.  Whoever 
asked  anything  of  me  embarrassed  me.  I  had  so  ac- 
customed myself  to  refuse,  that  I  did  not  even  promise 
what  I  purposed  to  perform.  This  habit  came  in  good 
stead  in  the  present  instance.  Her  arguments  turned 
on  individuahty  and  affection,  mine  on  duty  and 
reason ;  and  I  will  not  deny  that  at  last  they  seemed 
too  harsh,  even  to  myself.  Already  we  had  more  than 
once  repeated  our  topics  without  convincing  one 
another,  when  necessity  made  her  more  eloquent :  the 
inevitable  ruin  which  she  saw  before  her  pressed  tears 
from  her  eyes.  Her  collected  manner  she  entirely  lost : 
she  spoke  with  vivacity,  with  emotion ;  and,  as  I  still 
kept  up  a  show  of  coldness  and  composure,  her  whole 
soul  turned  itself  outward.  I  wished  to  end  the  scene ; 
but  all  at  once  she  was  loing  at  my  feet,  had  seized  my 
hand,  kissed  it,  and  was  looking  up  to  me,  so  good,  so 
gentle,  with  such  supplicating  loveliness,  that,  in  the 
haste  of  the  moment,  I  forgot  myself.  Hurriedly  I 
said,  while  raising  her  from  her  kneeling  posture,  '  I 
will  do  what  is  possible :  compose  thyself,  my  child ! ' 
and  so  turned  into  a  side-path.  '  Do  what  is  impos- 
sible ! '  cried  she  after  me.  I  now  knew  not  what  I 
was  saying,  but  answered, '  I  will,'  and  hesitated.     '  Do 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  59 

it ! '  cried  she,  at  ouce  enlivened,  and  with  a  heavenly 
expression  of  hope.  I  waved  a  salutation  to  her,  and 
hastened  away. 

"  To  my  uncle  I  did  not  mean  to  apply  directly  ;  for 
I  knew  too  well  that  with  him  it  was  vain  to  speak 
about  the  partial,  when  his  purpose  was  the  whole.  I 
inquired  for  the  steward ;  he  had  ridden  off  to  a  dis- 
tance :  visitors  came  in  the  evening,  friends  wishing  to 
take  leave  of  me.  They  supped  and  played  till  far  in 
the  night.  They  continued  next  day,  and  their  pres- 
ence effaced  the  image  of  my  importunate  petitioner. 
The  steward  returned :  he  was  busier  and  more  over- 
loaded than  ever.  All  were  asking  for  him  :  he  had  no 
time  to  hear  me.  However,  I  did  make  an  effort  to 
detain  him  ;  but  scarcely  had  I  named  that  pious 
farmer,  when  he  eagerly  repelled  the  proposal.  '  For 
Heaven's  sake,  not  a  word  of  this  to  your  uncle,  if  you 
would  not  have  a  quarrel  with  him  ! '  The  day  of  my 
departure  was  fixed  :  I  had  letters  to  write,  guests  to 
receive,  visits  in  the  neighbourhood  to  pay.  My  ser- 
vants had  been  hitherto  sufficient  for  my  wants,  but 
were  nowise  adequate  to  forward  the  arrangements  of 
a  distant  journey.  All  lay  on  my  own  hands;  and 
yet,  when  the  steward  appointed  me  an  hour  in  the 
night  before  my  departure  to  settle  our  money  con- 
cerns, I  neglected  not  again  to  solicit  him  for  Valerina's 
father. 

" '  Dear  baron,'  said  the  unstable  man,  '  how  can  such 
a  thing  ever  come  into  your  head  ?  To-day  already  I 
have  had  a  hard  piece  of  work  with  your  uncle,  for  the 
sum  you  need  is  turning  out  to  be  far  higher  than  we 
reckoned  on.  This  is  natural  enough,  but  not  the  less 
perplexing.  To  the  old  gentleman  it  is  especially  un- 
welcome, when  a  business  seems  concluded,  and  yet 
many  odds  and  ends  are  found  straggling  after  it. 
This  is  often  the  case,  and  I  and  the  rest  have  to  take 
the  brunt  of  it.     As  to  the  rigour  with  which  the  out- 


6o  MEISTER'S   TRAVELS 

standing  debts  were  to  be  gathered  in,  he  himself  laid 
down  the  law  to  me :  he  is  at  one  with  himself  on  this 
point,  and  it  would  be  no  easy  task  to  move  him  to  in- 
dulgence. Do  not  try  it,  I  beg  of  you  !  It  is  quite  in 
.vain.' 

"  I  let  him  deter  me  from  my  attempt,  but  not  en- 
tirely. I  pressed  him,  since  the  execution  of  the  busi- 
ness depended  on  himself,  to  act  with  mildness  and 
mercy.  He  promised  everything,  according  to  the 
fashion  of  such  persons,  for  the  sake  of  momentary 
peace.  He  got  quit  of  me:  the  bustle,  the  hurry  of 
business,  increased.  I  was  in  my  carriage,  and  had 
turned  my  back  on  all  home  concerns. 

"  A  keen  impression  is  like  any  other  wound :  we  do 
not  feel  it  in  receiving  it.  Not  till  afterward  does  it 
begin  to  smart  and  gangrene.  So  was  it  with  me  in 
regard  to  this  occurrence  in  the  park.  Whenever  I 
was  sohtary,  whenever  I  was  unemployed,  that  image 
of  the  entreating  maiden,  with  the  whole  accom- 
paniment, with  every  tree  and  bush,  the  place  where 
she  knelt,  the  side-path  I  took  to  get  rid  of  her,  the 
whole  scene,  rose  like  a  fresh  picture  before  my  soul. 
It  was  an  indestructible  impression,  which,  by  other 
images  and  interests,  might  indeed  be  shaded  or  over- 
hung, but  never  obliterated.  Still,  in  every  quiet  hour, 
she  came  before  me ;  and,  the  longer  it  lasted,  the  more 
painful  did  I  feel  the  blame  which  I  had  incurred 
against  my  principles,  against  my  custom,  though  not 
expressly,  only  while  hesitating,  and  for  the  first  time 
caught  in  such  a  perplexity. 

"  I  failed  not,  in  my  earliest  letters,  to  inquire  of  our 
steward  how  the  business  had  turned.  He  answered 
evasively.  Then  he  engaged  to  explain  this  point ; 
then  he  wrote  ambiguously ;  at  last  he  became  silent 
altogether.  Distance  increased ;  more  objects  came 
between  me  and  my  home ;  I  was  called  to  many  new 
observations,  many  new  sympathies ;  the  image  faded 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  6i 

away,  the  maiden  herself,  almost  to  the  name.  The 
remembrance  of  her  came  more  rarely  before  me ;  and 
my  whim  of  keeping  up  my  intercourse  with  home,  not 
by  letters,  but  by  tokens,  tended  gradually  to  make  my 
previous  situation,  with  all  its  circumstances,  nearly 
vanish  from  my  mind.  Now,  however,  when  I  am 
again  returning  home,  when  I  am  purposing  to  repay 
my  family  with  interest  what  I  have  so  long  owed  it, 
now  at  last  this  strange  repentance,  strange  I  myself 
must  call  it,  falls  on  me  with  its  whole  weight.  The 
form  of  the  maiden  brightens  up  with  the  forms  of  my 
relatives :  and  I  dread  nothing  more  deeply  than  to 
learn,  that,  in  the  misery  into  which  I  drove  her,  she 
has  sunk  to  ruin ;  for  my  negligence  appears  in  my 
own  mind  an  abetting  of  her  destruction,  a  further- 
ance of  her  mournful  destiny.  A  thousand  times  I 
have  told  myself  that  this  feeling  was  at  bottom  but  a 
weakness;  that  my  early  adoption  of  the  principle, 
never  to  promise,  had  originated  in  my  fear  of  repent- 
ance, not  in  any  noble  sentiment.  And  now  it  seems 
as  if  Repentance,  which  I  had  fled  from,  meant  to 
avenge  herself  by  seizing  this  incident,  instead  of  hun- 
dreds, to  pain  me.  Yet  is  the  picture,  the  imagination 
which  torments  me,  so  agreeable  withal,  so  lovely,  that 
I  like  to  linger  over  it.  And,  when  I  think  of  the 
scene,  that  kiss  which  she  imprinted  on  my  hand  still 
seems  to  burn  there." 

Lenardo  was  silent ;  and  Wilhelm  answered  quickly 
and  gaily,  "  It  appears,  then,  I  could  have  done  you  no 
greater  service  than  by  that  appendix  to  my  narrative ; 
as  we  often  find  in  the  postscript  the  most  interesting 
part  of  the  letter.  In  truth,  I  know  Httle  of  Valerina, 
for  I  heard  of  her  only  in  passing :  but,  for  certain,  she 
is  the  wife  of  a  prosperous  land-owner,  and  lives  hap- 
pily ;  as  your  aunt  assured  me  on  taking  leave." 

"  Good  and  well,"  said  Lenardo :  "  now  there  is 
nothing  to  detain  me.     You  have  given  me  absolution : 


62  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

let  us  now  to  my  friends,  who  have  already  waited  for 
me  too  long."  To  this  Wilhelm  answered,  "  Unhappily 
I  cannot  attend  you ;  for  a  strange  obligation  lies  on 
me  to  continue  nowhere  longer  than  three  days,  and 
not  to  revisit  any  place  in  less  than  a  year.  Pardon 
me,  if  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  mention  the  cause  of  this 
singularity." 

"  I  am  very  sorry,"  said  Lenardo,  "  that  we  are  to 
lose  you  so  soon ;  that  I  cannot,  in  my  turn,  do  any- 
thing for  you.  But,  since  you  are  already  in  the  way 
of  showing  me  kindness,  you  might  make  me  very 
happy  if  you  pleased  to  visit  Valerina,  to  inform  your- 
self accurately  of  her  situation,  and  then  to  let  me 
have  in  writing  or  in  speech  (a  place  of  meeting  might 
easily  be  found)  express  intelligence  for  my  complete 
composure." 

This  proposal  was  further  discussed :  Valerina's 
place  of  residence  had  been  named  to  Wilhelm.  He 
engaged  to  visit  her :  a  place  of  meeting  was  appointed, 
to  which  the  baron  should  come,  bringing  Felix  with 
him,  who  in  the  meanwhile  had  remained  with  the 
ladies. 

Lenardo  and  Wilhelm  had  proceeded  on  their  way 
for  some  time,  riding  together  through  pleasant  fields, 
with  abundance  of  conversation,  when  at  last  they 
approached  the  highway,  and  found  the  baron's  coach 
in  waiting,  now  ready  to  revisit,  with  its  owner,  the 
spot  it  had  left  three  years  before.  Here  the  friends 
were  to  part ;  and  Wilhelm,  with  a  few  kindly  words, 
took  his  leave,  again  promising  the  baron  speedy  news 
of  Valerina. 

"  Now,  when  I  bethink  me,"  said  Lenardo,  "  that  it 
were  but  a  small  circuit  if  I  accompanied  you,  why 
should  I  not  visit  Valerina  myself  ?  Why  not  witness 
with  my  own  eyes  her  happy  situation  ?  You  were  so 
friendly  as  to  engage  to  be  my  messenger,  why  should 
you  not  be  my  companion  ?     For  some  companion  I 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  63 

must  have,  some  moral  counsel ;  as  we  take  legal 
counsel  to  assist  us,  when  we  think  ourselves  inade- 
quate to  tlie  perplexities  of  a  process." 

Wilhelm's  objections,  that  the  friends  at  liunie  would 
be  anxiously  expecting  the  long-absent  traveller,  that 
it  would  produce  a  strange  impression  if  the  carriage 
came  alone,  and  other  reasons  of  the  like  sort,  had  no 
weight  with  Lenardo ;  and  Willi  elm  was  obliged  at 
last  to  resolve  on  acting  the  companion  to  the  baron,  a 
task  on  which,  considering  the  consequences  that  might 
be  apprehended,  he  entered  with  no  great  alacrity. 

Accordingly  the  servants  were  instructed  what  to 
say  on  their  arrival,  and  the  two  friends  now  took 
the  road  for  Valerina's  house.  The  neighbourhood 
appeared  rich  and  fertile,  the  true  seat  of  agriculture. 
Especially  the  grounds  of  Valerina's  husband  seemed 
to  be  managed  with  great  skill  and  care.  Wilhelm 
had  leisure  to  survey  the  landscape  accurately,  while 
Lenardo  rode  in  silence  beside  him.  At  last  the  latter 
said,  "  Another  in  my  place  would  perhaps  try  to  meet 
Valerina  undiscovered,  for  it  is  always  a  painful  feeling 
to  appear  before  those  whom  we  have  injured ;  but  I 
had  rather  front  this,  and  bear  the  reproach  which 
I  have  to  dread  from  her  first  look,  than  secure  myself 
from  it  by  disguise  and  untruth.  Untruth  may  bring 
us  into  embarrassment  quite  as  well  as  truth ;  and, 
when  we  reckon  up  how  often  the  former  or  the  latter 
profits  us,  it  really  seems  most  prudent,  once  for  all,  to 
devote  ourselves  to  what  is  true.  Let  us  go  forward, 
therefore,  with  cheerful  minds:  I  will  give  my  name, 
and  introduce  you  as  my  friend  and  fellow  traveller." 

They  had  now  reached  the  house,  and  dismounted 
in  the  court.  A  portly  man,  plainly  dressed,  whom 
you  might  have  taken  for  a  farmer,  came  out  to  them, 
and  announced  himself  as  master  of  the  family. 
Lenardo  named  himself;  and  the  landlord  seemed 
highly  delighted  to  see  him,  and  obtain  his  acquaint- 


64  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

ance.  "  What  will  my  wife  say,"  cried  he,  "  when  she 
again  meets  the  nephew  of  her  benefactor  ?  She  never 
tires  of  recounting  and  reckoning  up  what  her  father 
owes  your  uncle." 

What  strange  thoughts  rushed  in  rapid  disorder 
through  Lenardo's  mind  !  "  Does  this  man,  who  looks 
so  honest-minded,  hide  his  bitterness  under  a  friendly 
countenance  and  smooth  words  ?  Can  he  give  his 
reproaches  so  courteous  an  outside  ?  For  did  not  my 
uncle  reduce  that  family  to  misery  ?  And  can  the 
man  be  ignorant  of  this  ?  Or,"  so  thought  he  to  him- 
self, with  quick  hope,  "  has  the  business  not  been  so 
bad  as  thou  supposest  ?  For  no  decisive  intelligence 
has  ever  yet  reached  thee."  Such  conjectures  alter- 
nated this  way  and  that,  while  the  landlord  was  order- 
ing out  his  carriage  to  bring  home  his  wife,  who,  it 
appeared,  was  paying  a  visit  in  the  neighbourhood. 

"  If,  in  the  meanwhile,  till  my  wife  return,"  said  the 
latter,  "  I  might  entertain  you  in  my  own  way,  and  at 
the  same  time  carry  on  my  duties,  say  you  walk  a  few 
steps  with  me  into  the  fields,  and  look  about  you  how 
I  manage  my  husbandry ;  for,  no  doubt,  to  you,  as  a 
great  proprietor  of  land,  there  is  nothing  of  more  near 
concernment  than  the  noble  science,  the  noble  art,  of 
agriculture." 

Lenardo  made  no  objection :  Wilhelm  liked  to 
gather  information.  The  landlord  had  his  ground, 
which  he  possessed  and  ruled  without  restriction, 
under  the  most  perfect  treatment ;  what  he  undertook 
was  adapted  to  his  purpose ;  what  he  sowed  and 
planted  was  always  in  the  right  place;  and  he  could 
so  clearly  explain  his  mode  of  procedure,  and  the 
reasons  of  it,  that  every  one  comprehended  him,  and 
thought  it  possible  for  himself  to  do  the  same,  —  a 
mistake  one  is  apt  to  fall  into  on  looking  at  a  master, 
in  whose  hand  all  moves  as  it  should  do. 

The  strangers  expressed  their  satisfaction,  and  had 


MEISTER'S  TRAVELS  65 

nothing  but  praise  and  approval  to  pronounce  on 
everything  they  saw.  He  received  it  gratefully  and 
kindly,  and  at  last  added,  "  Now,  however,  I  must 
show  you  my  weak  side,  a  quality  discernible  in  every 
one  that  yields  himself  exclusively  to  one  pursuit." 
He  led  them  to  his  courtyard,  showed  them  his  imple- 
ments, his  store  of  these,  and,  besides  this,  a  store  of 
all  imaginable  sorts  of  farm-gear,  with  its  appurte- 
nances, kept  by  way  of  specimen.  "  I  am  often 
blamed,"  said  he,  "  for  going  too  far  in  this  matter ; 
but  I  cannot  quite  blame  myself.  Happy  is  he  to 
whom  his  business  itself  becomes  a  puppet,  who,  at 
length,  can  play  with  it,  and  amuse  himself  with  what 
his  situation  makes  his  duty." 

The  two  friends  were  not  behindhand  with  their 
questions  and  examinations.  Wilhelm,  in  particular, 
delighted  in  the  general  observations  which  this  man 
appeared  to  have  a  turn  for  making,  and  failed  not  to 
answer  them  ;  while  the  baron,  more  immersed  in  his 
own  thoughts,  took  silent  pleasure  in  the  happiness  of 
Valerina,  which,  in  this  situation,  he  reckoned  sure, 
yet  felt  underhand  a  certain  faint  shadow  of  dissatis- 
faction, of  which  he  could  give  himself  no  account. 

The  party  had  returned  within  doors,  when  the 
lady's  carriage  drove  up.  They  hastened  out  to  meet 
her;  but  what  was  Lenardo's  amazement,  his  fright, 
when  she  stepped  forth  !  This  was  not  the  person : 
this  was  no  nut-brown  maid,  but  directly  the  reverse, 
—  a  fair,  slim  form,  in  truth,  but  light-haired,  and 
possessing  all  the  charms  which  belonged  to  that 
complexion. 

This  beauty,  this  gi-ace,  afirighted  Lenardo.  His 
eyes  had  sought  the  brown  maiden :  now  quite  a 
different  figure  glanced  before  them.  These  features, 
too,  he  recollected ;  her  words,  her  manners,  soon 
banished  all  uncertainty ;  it  was  the  daughter  of  the 
lawyer,  a   man  who  stood  in  high  favour  with   the 


66  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

uncle ;  for  which  reason  also  the  dowry  had  been  so 
handsome,  and  the  new  pair  so  generously  dealt  with. 
All  this,  and  much  more,  was  gaily  recounted  by  the 
young  wife  as  an  introductory  salutation,  and  with 
such  a  joy  as  the  surprise  of  an  unexpected  meeting 
naturally  gives  rise  to.  The  question,  whether  they 
could  recognise  each  other,  was  mutually  put  and 
answered :  the  changes  in  look  were  talked  of,  which 
in  persons  of  that  age  are  found  notable  enough. 
Valerina  was  at  all  times  agreeable,  but  lovely  in  a 
high  degree  when  any  joyful  feeling  raised  her  above 
her  usual  level  of  indifierence.  The  company  grew 
talkative :  the  conversation  became  so  lively  that 
Lenardo  was  enabled  to  compose  himself  and  hide  his 
confusion.  Wilhelm,  to  whom  he  had  very  soon  given 
a  sign  of  this  strange  incident,  did  his  best  to  help 
him ;  and  Valerina's  little  touch  of  vanity  in  thinking 
that  the  baron,  even  before  visiting  his  own  friends, 
had  remembered  her,  and  come  to  see  her,  excluded 
any  shadow  of  suspicion  that  another  purpose,  or  a 
misconception,  could  be  concerned  in  the  affair. 

The  party  kept  together  till  a  late  hour,  though  the 
two  friends  were  longing  for  a  confidential  dialogue; 
which,  accordingly,  commenced  the  moment  they  were 
left  alone  in  their  allotted  chambers. 

"  It  appears,"  said  Lenardo,  "  I  am  not  to  get  rid  of 
this  secret  pain.  A  luckless  confusion  of  names,  I 
now  observe,  redoubles  it.  This  fair-haired  beauty 
I  have  often  seen  playing  with  the  brunette,  who  could 
not  be  called  a  beauty ;  nay,  I  myself  have  often  run 
about  with  them  over  the  fields  and  gardens,  though 
so  much  older  than  they.  Neither  of  them  made  the 
slightest  impression  on  me :  I  have  but  retained  the 
name  of  the  one  and  applied  it  to  the  other.  And 
now  her  who  does  not  concern  me  I  find  happy  above 
measure  in  her  own  way  ;  while  the  other  is  cast  forth, 
who  knows  whither  ?  into  the  wide  world." 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  67 

Next  morning  the  friends  were  up  almost  sooner 
than  their  active  entertainers.  The  happiness  of  see- 
ing her  guests  had  also  awakened  Valerina  early.  She 
little  fancied  with  what  feelings  they  came  to  break- 
fast. Wilhelm,  seeing  clearly,  that,  without  some  tid- 
ings of  the  nut-brown  maid,  Lenardo  must  continue  in 
a  painful  state,  led  the  conversation  to  old  times,  to 
playmates,  to  scenes  which  he  himself  knew,  and  other 
such  recollections;  so  that  Valerina  soon  quite  natu- 
rally came  to  speak  of  the  nut-brown  maid,  and  to 
mention  her  name. 

No  sooner  did  Lenardo  hear  the  name  Nachodina, 
than  he  perfectly  remembered  it ;  but,  with  the  name, 
the  figure  also,  of  that  supplicant,  returned  to  him  with 
such  violence  that  Valerina's  further  narrative  became 
quite  agonising  to  him,  as  with  warm  sympathy  she 
proceeded  to  describe  the  distrainment  of  the  pious 
farmer,  his  submissive  resignation  and  departure,  and 
how  he  went  away,  leaning  on  his  daughter,  who 
carried  a  little  bundle  in  her  hand.  Lenardo  was  like 
to  sink  under  the  earth.  LTnhappily  and  happily,  she 
went  into  a  certain  circumstantiality  in  her  details; 
which,  while  it  tortured  Lenardo's  heart,  enabled  him, 
with  help  of  his  associate,  to  put  on  some  appearance 
of  composure. 

The  travellers  departed  amid  warm,  sincere  invita- 
tions, on  the  part  of  the  married  pair,  to  return  soon, 
and  a  faint,  hollow  assent  on  their  own  part.  And  as 
a  person  who  stands  in  any  favour  wdth  himself  takes 
everything  in  a  favourable  light ;  so  Valerina  explained 
Lenardo's  silence,  his  visible  confusion  in  taking  leave, 
his  hasty  departure,  entirely  to  her  own  advantage,  and 
could  not,  although  the  faithful  and  loving  wife  of  a 
worthy  gentleman,  help  feeling  some  small  satisfaction 
at  this  re-awakening  or  incipient  inclination,  as  she 
reckoned  it,  of  her  former  landlord. 

After  this  strange  incident,  while  the  friends  were 


68  meister's  travels 

proceeding  on  their  way,  Lenardo  thus  addressed 
Wilhelm :  "  For  our  shipwreck  with  such  fair  hopes,  at 
the  very  entrance  of  the  haven,  I  can  still  console  my- 
self in  some  degi-ee  for  the  moment,  and  go  calmly  to 
meet  my  people,  when  I  think  that  Heaven  has  brought 
me  you,  you  to  whom,  under  your  pecuhar  mission,  it 
is  indifferent  whither  or  how  you  direct  your  path. 
Engage  to  find  out  Nachodina,  and  to  give  me  tidings 
of  her.  If  she  be  happy,  then  am  I  content ;  if  un- 
happy, then  help  her  at  my  charges.  Act  without 
reserve  ;  spare,  calculate  nothing.  I  shall  return  home, 
shall  endeavour  to  get  intelligence,  and  send  your  Felix 
to  you  by  some  trusty  person.  Place  the  boy,  as  your 
intention  w^as,  where  many  of  his  equals  are  placed :  it 
is  almost  indifferent  under  what  superintendence ;  but 
I  am  much  mistaken  if,  in  the  neighbourhood,  in  the 
place  where  I  wish  you  to  wait  for  your  son  and  his 
attendant,  you  do  not  find  a  man  that  can  give  you  the 
best  counsel  on  this  point.  It  is  he  to  whom  I  owe 
the  training  of  my  youth,  whom  I  should  have  liked  so 
much  to  take  along  with  me  in  my  travels,  whom,  at 
least,  I  should  many  a  time  have  wished  to  meet  in 
the  course  of  them,  had  he  not  already  devoted  himseK 
to  a  quiet,  domestic  life." 

The  friends  had  now  reached  the  spot  where  they 
were  actually  to  part.  While  the  horses  were  feeding, 
the  baron  wrote  a  letter,  which  Wilhelm  took  charge 
of,  yet,  for  the  rest,  could  not  help  communicating  his 
scruples  to  Lenardo. 

"  In  my  present  situation,"  said  he,  "  I  reckon  it  a 
desirable  commission  to  deliver  a  generous  man  from 
distress  of  mind,  and,  at  the  same  time,  to  free  a 
human  creature  from  misery,  if  she  happen  to  be  mis- 
erable. Such  an  object  one  may  look  upon  as  a  star, 
toward  which  one  sails,  not  knowing  what  awaits  him, 
what  he  is  to  meet,  by  the  way.  Yet,  with  all  this,  I 
must  not  be  blind  to  the  danger  which,  in  every  case, 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  69 

still  hovers  over  you.  Were  you  not  a  man  who  regu- 
larly avoids  engagements,  I  should  require  a  promise 
from  you  not  again  to  see  this  female,  who  has  come  to 
be  so  precious  in  your  eyes,  but  to  content  yourself 
when  I  announce  to  you  that  all  is  well  with  her,  be  it 
that  I  actually  find  lier  happy,  or  am  enabled  to  make 
her  so.  But,  having  neither  power  nor  wish  to  extort 
a  promise  from  you,  I  conjure  you  by  all  you  reckon 
dear  and  sacred,  for  your  own  sake,  for  that  of  your 
kindred,  and  of  me,  your  new-acquired  friend,  to  allow 
yourself  no  approximation  to  that  lost  maiden  under 
what  pretext  soever ;  not  to  require  of  me  that  I  men- 
tion or  describe  the  place  where  I  find  her,  or  the 
neighbourhood  where  I  leave  her ;  but  to  believe  my 
word  that  she  is  well,  and  be  enfranchised  and  at 
peace." 

Lenardo  gave  a  smile,  and  answered,  "  Perform  this 
service  for  me,  and  I  shall  be  grateful.  What  you  are 
willing  and  able  to  do,  I  commit  to  your  own  hands ; 
and,  for  myself,  leave  me  to  time,  to  common  sense, 
and,  if  possible,  to  reason." 

"Pardon  me,"  answered  Wilhelm ;  "but  whoever 
knows  under  what  strange  forms  love  glides  into  our 
hearts,  cannot  but  be  apprehensive  on  foreseeing  that  a 
friend  may  come  to  entertain  wishes,  which,  in  his  cir- 
cumstances, his  station,  would,  of  necessity,  produce 
uuhappiness  and  perplexity." 

"  I  hope,"  said  Lenardo,  "  when  I  know  the  maiden 
happy,  I  have  done  with  her." 

The  friends  parted,  each  in  his  own  direction. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

By  a  short  and  pleasant  road,  Wilhelm  had  reached 
the  town  to  which  his  letter  was  directed.  He  found 
it  gay  and  well  built ;  but  its  new  aspect  showed  too 
clearly,  that,  not  long  before,  it  must  have  suffered  by 
a  conflagration.  The  address  of  his  letter  let  him  into 
the  last  small,  uninjured  portion  of  the  place,  to  a 
house  of  ancient,  earnest  architecture,  yet  well  kept, 
and  of  a  tidy  look.  Dim  windows,  strangely  fashioned, 
indicated  an  exhilarating  pomp  of  colours  from  within. 
Nor,  in  fact,  did  the  interior  fail  to  correspond  with  the 
exterior.  In  clean  apartments,  everywhere  stood  fur- 
niture, which  must  have  served  several  generations, 
intermixed  with  very  little  that  was  new.  The  master 
of  the  house  received  our  traveller  kindly  in  a  little 
chamber  similarly  fitted  up.  These  clocks  had  already 
struck  the  hour  of  many  a  birth  and  many  a  death : 
everything  which  met  the  eye  reminded  one  that  the 
past  might,  as  it  were,  be  protracted  into  the  present. 

The  stranger  dehvered  his  letter;  but  the  landlord, 
without  opening  it,  laid  it  aside,  and  endeavoured,  in  a 
cheerful  conversation,  immediately  to  get  acquainted 
with  his  guest.  They  soon  grew  confidential ;  and  as 
Wilhelm,  contrary  to  his  usual  habit,  let  his  eye 
wander  inquisitively  over  the  room,  the  good  old  man 
said  to  him,  "  My  domestic  equipment  excites  your 
attention.  You  here  see  how  long  a  thing  may  last ; 
and  one  should  make  such  observations  now  and  then, 
by  way  of  counterbalance  to  so  much  in  the  world  that 
rapidly  changes,  and  passes  away.  This  same  teakettle 
served  my  parents,  and  was  a  witness  of  our  evening 

70 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  71 

family  assemblages ;  this  copper  fire-screen  still  guards 
me  from  the  fire  which  these  stout  old  tongs  still  help 
me  to  mend ;  and  so  it  is  with  all  througliout.  I  had 
it  in  my  })ower  to  bestow  my  care  and  industry  on 
many  other  things,  as  1  did  not  occupy  myself  with 
changing  these  external  necessaries,  a  task  which  con- 
sumes so  many  people's  time  and  resources.  An  affec- 
tionate attention  to  what  we  possess  makes  us  rich,  for 
thereby  we  accumulate  a  treasure  of  remembrances 
connected  with  iudiiierent  things.  I  knew  a  young 
man  who  got  a  common  pin  from  his  love  while  taking 
leave  of  her,  daily  fastened  his  breast-frill  with  it,  and 
brought  back  this  guarded  and  not  unemployed  treas- 
ure from  a  long  journeying  of  several  years.  In  us 
little  men,  such  little  things  are  to  be  reckoned  virtue." 

"  Many  a  one,  too,"  answered  Wilhelm,  "  brings 
back,  from  such  long  and  far  travellings,  a  sharp 
pricker  in  his  heart,  which  he  would  fain  be  quit  of." 

The  old  man  seemed  to  know  nothing  of  Lenardo's 
situation,  though  in  the  meanwhile  he  had  opened  the 
letter  and  read  it ;  for  he  returned  to  his  former  topics. 

"Tenacity  of  our  possessions,"  continued  he,  "in 
many  cases,  gives  us  the  greatest  energy.  To  this 
obstinacy  in  myself  I  owe  the  saving  of  my  house. 
When  the  town  w\as  on  fire,  some  people  wished  to 
begin  snatching  and  saving  here  too.  I  forbade  this, 
bolted  my  doors  and  windows,  and  turned  out,  with 
several  neighbours,  to  oppose  the  flames.  Our  efforts 
succeeded  in  preserving  this  summit  of  the  town.  Next 
morning  all  was  standing  here  as  you  now  see  it,  and 
as  it  has  stood  for  almost  a  hundred  years." 

"  Yet  you  will  confess,"  said  Wilhelm,  "  that  no  man 
withstands  the  change  which  time  produces." 

"  That  in  truth  ! "  said  the  other ;  "  but  he  who  holds 
out  longest  has  still  done  something. 

"  Yes :  even  beyond  the  Hmits  of  our  being,  we  are 
able  to  maintain  and  secure ;  we  transmit  discoveries. 


72  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

we  hand  down  sentiments  as  well  as  property ;  and,  as 
the  latter  was  my  chief  province,  I  have  for  a  long 
time  exercised  the  strictest  foresight,  invented  the 
most  peculiar  precautions ;  yet  not  till  lately  have  I 
succeeded  in  seeing  my  wish  fulfilled. 

"  Commonly  the  son  disperses  what  the  father  has 
collected,  collects  something  different,  or  in  a  different 
way.  Yet  if  we  can  wait  for  the  grandson,  for  the  new 
generation,  we  find  the  same  tendencies,  the  same  tastes, 
again  making  their  appearance.  And  so  at  last,  by  the 
care  of  our  pedagogic  friends,  I  have  found  an  active 
youth,  who,  if  possible,  pays  more  regard  to  old  pos- 
session than  even  I,  and  has,  withal,  a  vehement 
attachment  to  every  sort  of  curiosities.  My  decided 
confidence  he  gained  by  the  violent  exertions  with 
which  he  struggled  to  keep  off  the  fire  from  our  dwell- 
ing. Doubly  and  trebly  has  he  merited  the  treasure 
which  I  mean  to  leave  him,  —  nay,  it  is  already  given 
into  his  hands ;  and  ever  since  that  time  our  store  is 
increasing  in  a  wonderful  way. 

"  Not  all,  however,  that  you  see  here  is  ours.  On 
the  contrary,  as  in  the  hands  of  pawnbrokers  you 
find  many  a  foreign  jewel,  so  with  us,  I  can  show 
you  precious  articles,  which  people,  under  the  most 
various  circumstances,  have  deposited  with  us  for  the 
sake  of  better  keeping." 

Wilhelm  recollected  the  beautiful  box,  which,  at  any 
rate,  he  did  not  like  to  carry  with  him  in  his  wander- 
ings, and  showed  it  to  his  landlord.  The  old  man 
viewed  it  with  attention,  gave  the  date  when  it  was 
probably  made,  and  showed  some  similar  things.  Wil- 
helm asked  him  if  he  thought  it  should  be  opened. 
The  old  man  thought  not.  "  I  believe,  indeed,"  said 
he,  "  it  could  be  done  without  special  harm  to  the 
casket ;  but,  as  you  found  it  in  so  singular  a  way,  you 
must  try  your  luck  on  it.  For  if  you  are  born  lucky, 
and  this  little  box  is  of  any  consequence,  the  key  will 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  73 

doubtless  by  and  by  be  found,  and  in  the  very  place 
where  you  are  least  expecting  it." 

"  There  have  been  such  occurrences,"  said  Wilhelm. 

"  I  have  myself  experienced  such,"  replied  the  old 
man  ;  "  and  here  you  behold  the  strangest  of  them.  Of 
this  ivory  crucifix  I  have  had,  for  thirty  years,  the  body 
with  the  head  and  feet  in  one  place.  For  its  own 
nature,  as  well  as  for  the  glorious  art  displayed  in  it,  I 
kept  the  figure  laid  up  in  my  most  private  drawer: 
nearly  ten  years  ago  I  got  the  cross  belonging  to  it, 
with  the  inscription,  and  was  then  induced  to  have  the 
arms  suppUed  by  the  best  carver  of  our  day.  Far, 
indeed,  was  this  expert  artist  from  equalling  his  pred- 
ecessor; yet  I  let  his  work  pass,  more  for  devout 
purposes  than  for  any  admii-ation  of  its  excellence. 

"  Now,  conceive  my  delight !  A  little  while  ago  the 
original,  genuine  arms  were  sent  me,  as  you  see  them 
here  united  in  the  loveliest  harmony ;  and  I,  charmed 
at  so  happy  a  coincidence,  cannot  help  recognising  in 
this  crucifix  the  fortunes  of  the  Christian  religion, 
which,  often  enough  dismembered  and  scattered  abroad, 
will  ever  in  the  end  again  gather  itself  together  at  the 
foot  of  the  cross." 

Wilhelm  admired  the  figure  and  its  strange  combina- 
tion. "  I  will  follow  your  counsel,"  added  he  :  "  let  the 
casket  continue  locked  till  the  key  of  it  be  found, 
though  it  should  lie  till  the  end  of  my  life." 

"  One  who  lives  long,"  said  the  old  man,  "  sees  much 
collected  and  much  cast  asunder." 

The  young  partner  in  the  house  now  chanced  to 
enter,  and  Wilhelm  signified  his  purpose  of  entrusting 
the  box  to  their  keeping.  A  large  book  was  thereupon 
produced,  the  deposit  inscribed  in  it,  with  many  cere- 
monies and  stipulations ;  a  receipt  granted,  which 
applied  in  words  to  any  bearer,  but  was  only  to  be 
honoured  on  the  giving  of  a  certain  token  agreed  upon 
with  the  owner. 


74  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

So  passed  their  hours  iu  instructive  and  entertaining 
conversation,  till  at  last  Felix,  mounted  on  a  gay  pony, 
arrived  in  safety.  A  groom  had  accompanied  him,  and 
was  now,  for  some  time,  to  attend  and  serve  Wilhelm. 
A  letter  from  Lenardo,  delivered  at  the  same  time, 
complained  that  he  could  find  no  vestige  of  the  nut- 
hrown  maid ;  and  Wilhelm  was  anew  conjured  to  do 
his  utmost  in  searching  her  out.  Wilhelm  imparted 
the  matter  to  his  landlord.  The  latter  smiled,  and 
said,  "  We  must  certainly  make  every  exertion  for  our 
friend's  sake :  perhaps  I  may  succeed  in  learning  some- 
thing of  her.  As  I  keep  these  old,  primitive  household 
goods;  so,  likewise,  have  I  kept  some  old,  primitive 
friends.  You  tell  me  that  this  maiden's  father  was 
distinguished  by  his  piety.  The  pious  have  a  more 
intimate  connection  with  each  other  than  the  wicked, 
though  externally  it  may  not  always  prosper  so  well. 
By  this  means  I  hope  to  obtain  some  traces  of  what 
you  are  sent  to  seek.  But,  as  a  preparative,  do  you 
now  pursue  the  resolution  of  placing  your  Felix  among 
his  equals,  and  turning  him  to  some  fixed  department 
of  activity.  Hasten  with  him  to  the  great  Institution. 
I  will  point  out  the  way  you  must  follow,  in  order  to 
find  the  chief,  who  resides  now  in  one,  now  in  another, 
division  of  his  province.  You  shall  have  a  letter,  with 
my  best  advice  and  du-ection." 


CHAPTER   X. 

The  pilgrims,  pursuing  the  way  pointed  out  to  them, 
had,  without  diiliculty,  reached  the  limits  of  the  prov- 
ince, where  they  were  to  see  so  many  singularities.  At 
the  very  entrance  they  found  themselves  in  a  district 
of  extreme  fertility,  —  in  its  soft  knolls,  favouraljle  to 
crops ;  in  its  higher  hills,  to  sheep-husbandry ;  in  its 
wide  bottoms,  to  gi-azing.  Harvest  was  near  at  hand, 
and  all  was  in  the  richest  luxuriance ;  yet  what  most 
surprised  our  travellers  was,  that  they  observed  neither 
men  nor  women,  but,  in  all  quarters,  boys  and  youths 
engaged  in  preparing  for  a  happy  harvest,  —  nay,  al- 
ready making  arrangements  for  a  merry  harvest-home. 
Our  travellers  saluted  several  of  them,  and  inquired  for 
the  chief,  of  whose  abode,  however,  they  could  gain  no 
intelligence.  The  address  of  their  letter  was,  "  To  the 
Chief,  or  the  Three."  Of  this,  also,  the  boys  could 
make  nothing :  however,  they  referred  the  strangers  to 
an  overseer,  who  was  just  about  mounting  his  horse 
to  ride  off.  Our  friends  disclosed  their  object  to  this 
man:  the  frank  liveliness  of  Felix  seemed  to  please 
him,  and  so  they  all  rode  along  together. 

Wilhelm  had  already  noticed,  that,  in  the  cut  and 
colour  of  the  young  people's  clothes,  a  variety  pre- 
vailed, which  gave  the  whole  tiny  population  a  peculiar 
aspect :  he  was  just  about  to  question  his  attendant  on 
this  point,  when  a  still  stranger  observation  forced 
itself  upon  him ;  all  the  children,  how  employed  so- 
ever, laid  down  their  work,  and  turned,  with  singular, 
yet  diverse,  gestures,  toward  the  party  riding  past  them, 
or  rather,  as  it  was  easy  to  infer,  toward  the  overseer, 

75 


76  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

who  was  iu  it.  Tlie  youngest  laid  their  arms  cross- 
wise over  their  breast,  and  looked  cheerfully  up 
to  the  sky ;  those  of  middle  size  held  their  hands  on 
their  backs,  and  looked  smiHng  on  the  ground ;  the 
eldest  stood  with  a  frank  and  spirited  air ;  their  arms 
stretched  down,  they  turned  their  heads  to  the  right, 
and  formed  themselves  into  a  line ;  whereas  the  others 
kept  separate,  each  where  he  chanced  to  be. 

The  riders  having  stopped  and  dismounted  here,  as 
several  children,  in  their  various  modes,  were  standing 
forth  to  be  inspected  by  the  overseer,  Wilhelm  asked 
the  meaning  of  these  gestures ;  but  Felix  struck  in, 
and  cried,  gaily,  "  What  posture  am  I  to  take,  then  ? " 

"  Without  doubt,"  said  the  overseer,  "  the  first  pos- 
ture, —  the  arms  over  the  breast,  the  face  earnest  and 
cheerful  toward  the  sky." 

Felix  obeyed,  but  soon  cried,  "  This  is  not  much  to 
my  taste ;  I  see  nothing  up  there :  does  it  last  long  ? 
But  yes  !  "  exclaimed  he  joyfully  :  "  yonder  are  a  pair 
of  falcons  flying  from  the  west  to  the  east ;  that  is  a 
good  sign  too." 

"  As  thou  takest  it,  as  thou  behavest,"  said  the  other, 
"  now  mingle  among  them  as  they  mingle."  He  gave 
a  signal ;  and  the  children  left  their  postures,  and  again 
betook  them  to  work  or  sport  as  before. 

"  Are  you  at  liberty,"  said  Wilhelm  then, "  to  explain 
this  sight,  which  surprises  me  ?  I  easily  perceive  that 
these  positions,  these  gestures,  are  salutations  directed 
to  you." 

"  Just  so,"  replied  the  overseer  :  "  salutations  which, 
at  once,  indicate  in  what  degi'ee  of  culture  each  of 
these  boys  is  standing." 

"  But  can  you  explain  to  me  the  meaning  of  this 
gradation  ?  "  inquired  Wilhelm  ;  "  for  that  there  is  one 
is  clear  enough." 

"  This  belongs  to  a  higher  quarter,"  said  the  other : 
"  so  much,  however,  I  may  tell  you,  that  these  cere- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  77 

monies  are  not  mere  giimaces ;  that,  on  the  contrary, 
the  import  of  them,  not  the  lii^i^^iest,  but  still  a  direct- 
ing, intelligible  import,  is  communicated  to  the  chil- 
dren ;  while,  at  the  same  time,  each  is  enjoined  to 
retain  and  consider  for  himself  whatever  explanation 
it  has  been  thought  meet  to  give  him :  they  are  not 
allowed  to  talk  of  these  things,  either  to  strangers  or 
among  themselves ;  and  thus  their  instruction  is  modi- 
fied in  many  ways.  Besides,  secrecy  itself  has  many 
advantages ;  for  when  you  tell  a  man  at  once,  and 
straightforward,  the  purpose  of  any  object,  he  fancies 
there  is  nothing  in  it.  Certain  secrets,  even  if  known 
to  every  one,  men  find  that  they  must  still  reverence 
by  concealment  and  silence ;  for  this  works  on  modesty 
and  good  morals." 

"  I  understand  you,"  answered  Wilhelm :  "  why 
should  not  the  principle  which  is  so  necessary  in 
material  things  be  applied  to  spiritual  also  ?  But  per- 
haps in  another  point  you  can  satisfy  my  curiosity. 
The  great  variety  of  shape  and  colour  in  these  chil- 
dren's clothes  attracts  my  notice ;  and  yet  I  do  not 
see  all  sorts  of  colours,  but  a  few  in  all  their  shades, 
from  the  lightest  to  the  deepest.  At  the  same  time  I 
observe  that  by  this  no  designation  of  degrees  in  age  or 
merit  can  be  intended  ;  for  the  oldest  and  the  youngest 
boys  may  be  alike,  both  in  cut  and  colour,  while  those 
of  similar  gestures  are  not  similar  in  dress." 

"  On  this  matter,  also,"  said  the  other,  "  silence  is 
prescribed  to  me ;  but  I  am  much  mistaken,  or  you 
will  not  leave  us  without  receiving  all  the  information 
you  desire." 

Our  party  continued  following  the  trace  of  the  chief, 
which  they  believed  themselves  to  be  upon.  But  now 
the  strangers  could  not  fail  *^.o  notice,  with  new  sur- 
prise, that,  the  farther  they  aavanced  into  the  district, 
a  vocal  melody  more  and  more  frequently  sounded 
toward   them    from   the    fields.     Whatever   the   boys 


78  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

might  be  engaged  with,  whatever  labour  they  were 
carrying  on,  they  accompanied  it  with  singing ;  and  it 
seemed  as  if  the  songs  were  specially  adapted  to  their 
various  sorts  of  occupation,  and  in  similar  cases  every- 
where the  same.  If  there  chanced  to  be  several  chil- 
dren in  company,  they  sang  together  in  alternating 
parts.  Toward  evening  appeared  dancers  likewise, 
whose  steps  were  enlivened  and  directed  by  choruses. 
Felix  struck  in  with  them,  not  altogether  unsuccess- 
fully, from  horseback,  as  he  passed ;  and  Wilhelm  felt 
gratified  in  this  amusement,  which  gave  new  life  to 
the  scene. 

"  Apparently,"  he  said  to  his  companion,  "  you  de- 
vote considerable  care  to  this  branch  of  instruction  : 
the  accomplishment,  otherwise,  could  not  be  so  widely 
diffused  and  so  completely  practised." 

"  We  do,"  rephed  the  other :  "  on  our  plan,  song  is 
the  first  step  in  education ;  all  the  rest  are  connected 
with  it,  and  attained  by  means  of  it.  The  simplest 
enjoyment,  as  well  as  the  simplest  instruction,  we  en- 
liven and  impress  by  song;  nay,  even  what  religious 
and  moral  principles  we  lay  before  our  children  are 
communicated  in  the  way  of  song.  Other  advantages 
for  the  excitement  of  activity  spontaneously  arise  from 
this  practice :  for,  in  accustoming  the  children  to  write 
the  tones  they  are  to  utter  in  musical  characters,  and, 
as  occasion  serves,  again  to  seek  these  characters  in 
the  utterance  of  their  own  voice ;  and,  besides  this,  to 
subjoin  the  text  below  the  notes,  —  they  are  forced 
to  practise  hand,  ear,  and  eye  at  once,  whereby  they 
acquire  the  art  of  penmanship  sooner  than  you  would 
expect;  and  as  all  this,  in  the  long  run,  is  to  be 
effected  by  copying  precise  measurements  and  accu- 
rately settled  numbers,  they  come  to  conceive  the 
high  value  of  mensuration  and  arithmetic  much  sooner 
than  in  any  other  way.  Among  all  imaginable  things, 
accordingly,  we  have  selected  music  as  the  element  of 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  79 

our  teaching ;  for  level  roads  run  out  from  music 
toward  every  side." 

Wilhelni  endeavoured  to  obtain  still  further  informa- 
tion, and  expressed  his  surprise  at  hearing  no  instru- 
mental music.  "  This  is,  by  no  means,  neglected 
here,"  said  the  other,  "  but  practised  in  a  peculiar 
district,  one  of  tlie  most  pleasant  valleys  among  the 
mountains ;  and  there  again  we  have  arranged  it  so 
that  the  different  instruments  shall  be  taught  in 
separate  places.  The  discords  of  beginners,  in  particu- 
lar, are  banished  into  certain  sohtudes,  where  they  can 
drive  no  one  to  despair ;  for  you  will  confess,  that  in 
well-regulated  civil  society  there  is  scarcely  a  more 
melancholy  suffering  to  be  undergone  than  what  is 
forced  on  us  by  the  neighbourhood  of  an  incipient 
player  on  the  flute  or  violin. 

"  Our  learners,  out  of  a  laudable  desire  to  be  trouble- 
some to  no  one,  go  forth  of  their  own  accord,  for  a 
longer  or  a  shorter  time,  into  the  wastes,  and  strive  in 
their  seclusion  to  attain  the  merit  which  shall  again 
admit  them  into  the  inhabited  world.  Each  of  them, 
from  time  to  time,  is  allowed  to  venture  an  attempt 
for  admission :  and  the  trial  seldom  fails  of  success ; 
for  bashfulness  and  modesty  in  this,  as  in  all  other 
parts  of  our  system,  we  strongly  endeavour  to  main- 
tain and  cherish.  That  your  son  has  a  good  voice  I 
am  glad  to  observe :  all  the  rest  is  managed  with  so 
much  the  greater  ease." 

They  had  now  reached  a  place  where  Felix  was  to 
stop  and  make  trial  of  its  arrangements,  till  a  formal  re- 
ception should  be  granted  him.  From  a  distance  they 
had  been  saluted  by  a  jocund  sound  of  music :  it  was 
a  game  in  which  the  boys  were,  for  the  present,  amus- 
ing themselves  in  their  hour  of  play.  A  general 
chorus  mounted  up ;  each  individual  of  a  wide  circle 
striking  in  at  his  time  with  a  joyful,  clear,  firm  tone, 
as  the  sign  was  given  him  by  the  overseer.     The  latter 


8o  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

more  than  once  took  the  singers  by  surprise,  when,  at 
a  signal,  he  suspended  the  choral  song,  and  called  on 
any  single  boy,  touching  him  with  his  rod,  to  catch  by 
himself  the  expiring  tone,  and  adapt  to  it  a  suitable 
song,  fitted  also  to  the  spirit  of  what  had  preceded. 
Most  part  showed  great  dexterity:  a  few  who  failed 
in  this  feat  willingly  gave  in  their  pledges  without 
altogether  being  laughed  at  for  their  ill  success. 
Felix  was  child  enough  to  mix  among  them  instantly, 
and  in  his  new  task  he  acquitted  himself  tolerably 
well.  The  first  salutation  was  then  enjoined  on  him : 
he  directly  laid  his  hands  on  his  breast,  looked  up- 
wards, and  truly  with  so  roguish  a  countenance  that 
it  was  easy  to  observe  no  secret  meaning  had  yet,  in 
his  mind,  attached  itself  to  this  posture. 

The  delightful  spot,  his  kind  reception,  the  merry 
playmates,  all  pleased  the  boy  so  well  that  he  felt  no 
very  deep  sorrow  as  his  father  moved  away :  the  de- 
parture of  the  pony  was,  perhaps,  a  heavier  matter ; 
but  he  yielded  here  also,  on  learning  that  in  this 
circle  it  could  not  possibly  be  kept :  and  the  overseer 
promised  him,  in  compensation,  that  he  should  find 
another  horse  as  smart  and  well  broken  at  a  time  when 
he  was  not  expecting  it. 

As  the  chief,  it  appeared,  was  not  to  be  come  at,  the 
overseer  turned  to  Wilhelm,  and  said,  "  I  must  now 
leave  you,  to  pursue  my  occupations ;  but  first  I  will 
bring  you  to  the  Three,  who  preside  over  our  sacred 
things.  Your  letter  is  addressed  to  them  likewise,  and 
they  together  represent  the  chief."  Wilhelm  could 
have  wished  to  gain  some  previous  knowledge  of  these 
sacred  things ;  but  his  companion  answered,  "  The 
Three  will,  doubtless,  in  return  for  the  confidence 
you  show  in  leaving  us  your  son,  disclose  to  you,  in 
their  wisdom  and  fairness,  what  is  most  needful  for 
you  to  learn.  The  visible  objects  of  reverence,  which 
I  named  sacred  things,  are  collected  in  this  separate 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  8l 

circle ;  are  mixed  with  notliiiig,  interfered  with  by 
nothing;  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year  only  are  our 
pupils  admitted  here,  to  be  taught  in  their  various 
degrees  of  culture  by  historical  and  sensible  means ; 
and  in  these  short  intervals  they  carry  off  a  deep 
enough  impression  to  suffice  them  for  a  time,  during 
the  performance  of  their  other  duties." 

Wilhelm  had  now  reached  the  gate  of  a  wooded 
vale,  surrounded  with  high  walls :  on  a  certain  sign 
the  little  door  opened,  and  a  man  of  earnest  and 
imposing  look  received  our  traveller.  The  latter 
found  himself  in  a  large,  beautifully  umbrageous 
space,  decked  with  the  richest  foliage,  shaded  with 
trees  and  bushes  of  all  sorts ;  while  stately  walls  and 
magnificent  buildings  were  discerned  only  in  glimpses 
through  this  thick,  natural  boscage.  A  friendly  recep- 
tion from  the  Three,  who  by  and  by  appeared,  at  last 
turned  into  a  general  conversation,  the  substance  of 
which  we  now  present  in  an  abbreviated  shape. 

"  Since  you  entrust  your  son  to  us,"  said  they,  "  it  is 
fair  that  we  admit  you  to  a  closer  view  of  our  pro- 
cedure. Of  what  is  external  you  have  seen  much  that 
does  not  bear  its  meaning  on  its  front.  What  part  of 
this  do  you  chiefly  wish  to  have  explained  ? " 

"  Dignified  yet  singular  gestures  of  salutation  I  have 
noticed,  tlie  import  of  which  I  would  gladly  learn : 
with  you,  doubtless,  the  exterior  has  a  reference  to 
the  interior,  and  inversely ;  let  me  know  what  this 
reference  is." 

"Well-formed,  healthy  children,"  repUed  the  Three, 
"  bring  much  into  the  world  along  with  them :  Nature 
has  given  to  each  whatever  he  requires  for  time  and 
duration ;  to  unfold  this  is  our  duty ;  often  it  unfolds 
itself  better  of  its  own  accord.  One  thing  there  is, 
however,  which  no  cliild  brings  into  the  world  with 
him ;  and  yet  it  is  on  this  one  thing  that  all  depends 
for  making  man  in  every  point  a  man.     If  you  can 


82  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

discover  it  yourself,  speak  it  out."  Wilhelm  thought 
a  little  while,  then  shook  his  head. 

The  Three,  after  a  suitable  pause,  exclaimed, "  Rever- 
ence !  "  Wilhelm  seemed  to  hesitate.  "  Reverence  ! " 
cried  they  a  second  time.  "  All  want  it,  perhaps  you 
yourself. 

"  Three  kinds  of  gestures  you  have  seen :  and  we 
inculcate  a  threefold  reverence,  which,  when  com- 
mingled and  formed  into  one  whole,  attains  its  highest 
force  and  effect.  The  first  is,  reverence  for  what  is 
above  us.  That  posture,  the  arms  crossed  over  the 
breast,  the  look  turned  joyfully  toward  heaven,  that 
is  what  we  have  enjoined  on  young  children ;  requu- 
ing  from  them  thereby  a  testimony  that  there  is  a  God 
above,  who  images  and  reveals  himself  in  parents, 
teachers,  superiors.  Then  comes  the  second,  reverence 
for  what  is  under  us.  Those  hands  folded  over  the 
back,  and,  as  it  were,  tied  together ;  that  down-turned, 
smihng  look,  —  announce  that  we  are  to  regard  the 
earth  with  attention  and  cheerfulness :  from  the 
bounty  of  the  earth  we  are  nourished ;  the  earth 
affords  unutterable  joys,  but  disproportionate  sorrows 
she  also  brings  us.  Should  one  of  our  children  do 
himself  external  hurt,  blamably  or  blamelessly  ;  should 
others  hurt  him  accidentally  or  purposely ;  should 
dead,  involuntary  matter  do  him  hurt,  —  then  let  him 
well  consider  it ;  for  such  dangers  will  attend  him  all 
his  days.  But  from  this  posture  we  delay  not  to  free 
our  pupil  the  instant  we  become  convinced  that  the 
instruction  connected  with  it  has  produced  sufficient 
influence  on  him.  Then,  on  the  contrary,  we  bid  him 
gather  courage,  and,  turning  to  his  comrades,  range 
himself  along  with  them.  Now,  at  last,  he  stands 
forth,  frank  and  bold,  not  selfishly  isolated :  only  in 
combination  with  his  equals  does  he  front  the  world. 
Further  we  have  nothing  to  add." 

"  I  quite  understand  it,"  said  Wilhelm.     "  Are  not 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  83 

the  mass  of  men  so  nmned  and  stinted  because  they 
take  pleasure  only  iu  tlie  element  of  evil-wishing  and 
evil-speaking  ?  Whoever  gives  himself  to  this,  soon 
comes  to  be  iudill'erent  tovv'ard  God,  contemptuous 
toward  the  world,  spiteful  toward  his  equals  ;  and  the 
true,  genuine,  indispensable  sentiment  of  self-estima- 
tion corrupts  into  self-conceit  and  presumption.  Allow 
me,  however,"  continued  he,  "to  state  one  difficulty. 
You  say  that  reverence  is  not  natural  to  man :  now, 
has  not  the  reverence  or  fear  of  barbarous  nations  for 
violent  convulsions  of  Nature,  or  other  inexplicable, 
mysteriously  foreboding  occurrences,  been  heretofore 
regarded  as  the  germ  out  of  which  a  higher  feeling, 
a  purer  sentiment,  was  by  degrees  to  be  developed  ? " 

"  Fear  does  accord  with  Nature,"  replied  they,  "  but 
reverence  does  not.  Men  fear  a  known  or  unknown 
powerful  being :  the  strong  seeks  to  conquer  it,  the 
weak  to  avoid  it ;  both  endeavour  to  get  quit  of  it,  and 
feel  happy  when,  for  a  short  season,  they  have  put  it 
aside,  and  their  nature  has,  in  some  degree,  regained 
freedom  and  independence.  The  natural  man  repeats 
this  operation  millions  of  times  in  the  course  of  his 
life ;  from  fear  he  struggles  to  freedom ;  from  freedom 
he  is  driven  back  to  fear,  and  so  makes  no  advance- 
ment. To  fear  is  easy,  but  grievous ;  to  reverence  is 
difficult,  but  satisfactory.  Man  does  not  willingly 
submit  himself  to  reverence ;  or,  rather,  he  never  so 
submits  himself :  it  is  a  higher  sense,  which  must  be 
communicated  to  his  nature ;  w'hich  only,  iu  some 
peculiarly  favoured  individuals,  unfolds  itself  spon- 
taneously, who  on  this  account,  too,  have  of  old  been 
looked  upon  as  saints  and  gods.  Here  lies  the  worth, 
here  lies  the  business,  of  all  true  religions ;  whereof 
there  are,  likewise,  only  three,  according  to  the  objects 
toward  which  they  direct  our  devotion." 

The  men  paused ;  Wilhelm  reflected  for  a  time 
in   silence ;  but,  feeling  in   himself  no  pretension  to 


84  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

unfold  the  meaning  of  these  strange  words,  he  re- 
quested the  sages  to  proceed  with  then-  exposition. 
They  immediately  complied.  "  No  religion  that  grounds 
itself  on  fear,"  s*id  they,  "  is  regarded  among  us. 
With  the  reverence  to  which  a  man  should  give  do- 
minion in  his  mind,  he  can,  in  paying  honour,  keep 
his  own  honour :  he  is  not  disunited  with  himself,  as 
in  the  former  case.  The  religion  which  depends  on 
reverence  for  what  is  above  us  we  denominate  the 
ethnic ;  it  is  the  religion  of  the  nations,  and  the  first 
happy  deliverance  from  a  degi-ading  fear :  all  heathen 
religions,  as  we  call  them,  are  of  this  sort,  whatsoever 
names  they  may  bear.  The  second  religion,  which 
founds  itself  on  reverence  for  what  is  around  us,  we 
denominate  the  philosophical ;  for  the  philosopher 
stations  himself  in  the  middle,  and  must  draw  down 
to  him  all  that  is  higher,  and  up  to  him  all  that  is 
lower :  and  only  in  this  medium  condition  does  he 
merit  the  title  of  Wise.  Here,  as  he  surveys  with 
clear  sight  his  relation  to  his  equals,  and  therefore  to 
the  whole  human  race,  his  relations  likewise  to  all 
other  earthly  circumstances  and  arrangements,  neces- 
sary or  accidental,  he  alone,  in  a  cosmic  sense,  hves 
in  truth.  But  now  we  have  to  speak  of  the  third 
religion,  grounded  on  reverence  for  wliat  is  beneath 
us ;  this  we  name  the  Christian,  as  in  the  Christian 
rehgion  such  a  temper  is  with  most  distinctness  mani- 
fested :  it  is  a  last  step  to  which  mankind  were  fitted 
and  destined  to  attain.  But  what  a  task  was  it,  not 
only  to  be  patient  with  the  earth,  and  let  it  lie  beneath 
us,  we  appealing  to  a  higher  birthplace,  but  also  to 
recognise  humihty  and  poverty,  mockery  and  despite, 
disgrace  and  wretchedness,  suffering  and  death,  —  to 
recognise  these  things  as  divine,  —  nay,  even  on  sin 
and  crime  to  look,  not  as  hinderances,  but  to  honour 
and  love  them  as  furtherances  of  what  is  holy.  Of 
this,  indeed,  we  find  some  traces  in  all  ages :  but  the 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  85 

trace  is  not  the  goal;  aud,  tliis  being  now  attained, 
the  human  species  cannot  retrograde:  and  we  may- 
say,  that  the  Christian  religion,  having  once  apjjeared, 
cannot  again  vanish ;  having  once  assumed  its  divine 
shape,  can  be  subject  to  no  dissolution." 

"To  which  of  these  religions  do  you  specially 
adhere?"  inquired  Wilhelm. 

"  To  all  the  three,"  replied  they  ;  "  for  in  their  union 
they  produce  wliat  may  properly  be  called  the  true 
religion.  Out  of  those  three  reverences  springs  the 
higiiest  reverence,  —  reverence  for  one's  self ;  and 
those  again  unfold  themselves  from  this:  so  that 
man  attains  the  highest  elevation  of  which  he  is 
capable,  that  of  being  justified  in  reckoning  himself 
the  best  that  God  and  Nature  have  produced,  —  nay, 
of  being  able  to  continue  on  this  lofty  eminence,  with- 
out being  again,  by  self-conceit  and  presumption, 
drawn  down  fi'om  it  into  the  vulgar  level." 

"  Such  a  confession  of  faith,  developed  in  this 
manner,  does  not  repulse  me,"  answered  Wilhelm : 
"  it  agi-ees  with  much  that  one  hears  now  and  then 
in  the  course  of  life;  only  you  unite  what  others 
separate." 

To  this  they  replied,  "  Our  confession  has  already 
been  adopted,  though  unconsciously,  by  a  great  part 
of  the  world." 

"  How,  then,  and  where  ? "  said  Wilhelm. 

"  In  the  creed ! "  exclaimed  they ;  "  for  the  first 
article  is  ethnic,  and  belongs  to  all  nations;  the 
second.  Christian,  for  those  struggling  with  aftiiction 
and  glorified  in  affliction ;  the  third,  in  fine,  teaches 
an  inspired  communion  of  saints,  that  is,  of  men  in 
the  highest  degree  good  and  wise.  And  should  not, 
therefore,  the  Three  Divine  Persons,  under  the  simili- 
tudes and  names  of  which  these  threefold  doctrines  and 
commands  are  promulgated,  justly  be  considered  as  in 
the  highest  sense  One  ? " 


86  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  I  thank  you,"  said  Wilhelm,  "  for  ha\dng  pleased  to 
lay  all  this  before  me  in  such  clearness  and  combina- 
tion, as  before  a  grown-up  person,  to  whom  your  three 
modes  of  feeling  are  not  altogether  foreign.  And  now, 
when  I  reflect  that  you  communicate  this  high  doc- 
trine to  your  children,  in  the  first  place  as  a  sensible 
sign,  then  with  some  symbolical  accompaniment  at- 
tached to  it,  and  at  last  unfold  to  them  its  deepest 
meaning,  I  cannot  but  warmly  approve  of  your  method." 

"  Eight,"  answered  they ;  "  but  now  we  must  show 
you  more,  and  so  convince  you  the  better  that  your 
son  is  in  no  bad  hands.  This,  however,  may  remain 
for  the  morrow :  rest  and  refresh  yourself,  that  you 
may  attend  us  in  the  morning,  as  a  man  satisfied  and 
unimpeded,  into  the  interior  of  our  sanctuary." 


CHAPTEE   XL 

At  the  hand  of  the  eldest,  our  friend  now  pro- 
ceeded through  a  stately  portal  into  a  round,  or  rather 
octagonal,  hall,  so  richly  decked  with  pictures,  that 
it  struck  him  with  astonishment  as  he  entered.  All 
this,  he  easily  conceived,  must  have  a  significant  im- 
port; though  at  the  moment  he  saw  not  so  clearly 
what  it  was.  While  about  to  question  his  guide  on 
this  subject,  the  latter  invited  him  to  step  forward 
into  a  gallery,  open  on  the  one  side,  and  stretching 
round  a  spacious,  gay,  flowery  garden.  The  wall,  how- 
ever, not  the  flowers,  attracted  the  eyes  of  the  stranger : 
it  was  covered  with  paintings,  and  Wilhelm  could  not 
walk  far  without  observing  that  the  Sacred  Books  of  the 
Israelites  had  furnished  the  materials  for  these  figures. 

"It  is  here,"  said  the  eldest,  "that  we  teach  our 
first  religion,  —  the  religion  which,  for  the  sake  of 
brevity,  I  named  the  ethnic.  The  spirit  of  it  is  to  be 
sought  for  in  the  history  of  the  world;  its  outward 
form,  in  the  events  of  that  history.  Only  in  the  re- 
turn of  similar  destinies  on  whole  nations  can  it 
properly  be  apprehended." 

"I  observe,"  said  Wilhelm,  "you  have  done  the 
Israelites  the  honour  to  select  their  history  as  the 
groundwork  of  this  delineation;  or,  rather,  you  have 
made  it  the  leading  object  there." 

"  As  you  see,"  replied  the  eldest :  "  for  you  will  re- 
mark, that  on  the  socles  and  friezes  we  have  intro- 
duced another  series  of  transactions  and  occurrences, 
not  so  much  of  a  synchronistic  as  of  a  symphronistic 
kind;  since,   among  all  nations,  we  discover   records 

87 


8S  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

of  a  similar  import,  and  grounded  on  the  same  facts. 
Thus  you  perceive  here,  while  in  the  main  field  of 
the  picture,  Abraham  receives  a  visit  from  his  gods 
in  the  form  of  fair  youths,  Apollo,  among  the  herds- 
men of  Admetus,  is  painted  above  on  the  frieze.  From 
which  we  may  learn,  that  the  gods,  when  they  appear 
to  men,  are  commonly  unrecognised  of  them." 

The  friends  walked  on.  Wilhelm,  for  the  most 
part,  met  with  well-known  objects ;  but  they  were 
here  exhibited  in  a  hvelier  and  more  expressive  man- 
ner than  he  had  been  used  to  see  them.  On  some 
few  matters  he  requested  explanation,  and  at  last 
could  not  help  returning  to  his  former  question.  Why 
the  Israelitish  history  had  been  chosen  in  preference 
to  all  others  ? 

The  eldest  answered,  "  Among  all  heathen  religions, 
—  for  such  also  is  the  Israelitish,  —  this  has  the  most 
distinguished  advantages,  of  which  I  shall  mention 
only  a  few.  At  the  ethnic  judgment-seat,  at  the 
judgment-seat  of  the  God  of  nations,  it  is  not  asked, 
Whether  this  is  the  best,  the  most  excellent  nation, 
but  whether  it  lasts,  whether  it  has  continued.  The 
Israelitish  people  never  was  good  for  much,  as  its 
own  leaders,  judges,  rulers,  prophets  have  a  thousand 
times  reproachfully  declared :  it  possesses  few  vktues, 
and  most  of  the  faults  of  other  nations ;  but  in  co- 
hesion, steadfastness,  valour,  and,  when  all  this  would 
not  serve,  in  obstinate  toughness,  it  has  no  match.  It 
is  the  most  perseverant  nation  in  the  world:  it  is,  it^ 
was,  and  will  be,  to  glorify  the  name  of  Jehovah 
through  all  ages.  We  have  set  it  up,  therefore,  as 
the  pattern-figure,  —  as  the  main  figure,  to  which  the 
others  only  serve  as  a  frame." 

"  It  becomes  not  me  to  dispute  with  you,"  said  Wil- 
helm, "  since  you  have  instruction  to  impart.  Open 
to  me,  therefore,  the  other  advantages  of  this  people, 
or,  rather,  of  its  history,  of  its  religion." 


meister's  travels  89 

"  One  chief  advantage,"  said  Llie  other,  "  is  its  ex- 
cellent collection  of  Sacred  Books.  These  stand  so 
happily  combined  together,  that,  even  out  of  the  most 
diverse  elements,  the  feeling  of  a  whole  still  rises 
before  us.  They  are  complete  enough  to  satisfy,  frag- 
mentary enough  to  excite,  barbarous  enough  to  rouse, 
tender  enough  to  appease ;  and  for  how  many  other 
contradicting  merits  might  not  these  books,  might  not 
this  one  book,  be  praised  ! " 

The  series  of  main  figures,  as  well  as  their  relations 
to  the  smaller  which  above  and  below  accompanied 
them,  gave  the  guest  so  much  to  think  of,  that  he 
scarcely  heard  the  pertinent  remarks  of  his  guide,  who, 
by  what  he  said,  seemed  desirous  rather  to  divert  our 
friend's  attention  than  to  fix  it  on  the  paintings.  Once, 
however,  the  old  man  said,  on  some  occasion,  "  Another 
advantage  of  the  Israelitish  religion  I  must  here  men- 
tion :  it  has  not  embodied  its  God  in  any  form,  and  so 
has  left  us  at  liberty  to  represent  him  in  a  worthy 
human  shape,  and  likewise,  by  way  of  contrast,  to 
designate  idolatry  by  forms  of  beasts  and  monsters." 

Our  friend  had  now,  in  his  short  wandering  through 
this  hall,  again  brought  the  spii'it  of  universal  history 
before  his  mind :  in  regard  to  the  events,  he  had  not 
failed  to  meet  with  something  new.  So  likewise,  by 
the  simultaneous  presentment  of  the  pictures,  by  the 
reflections  of  his  guide,  many  new  views  had  risen  on 
him ;  and  he  could  not  but  rejoice  in  thinking  that  his 
Felix  was,  by  so  dignified  a  visible  representation,  to 
seize  and  appropriate  for  his  whole  life  those  great, 
significant,  and  exemplary  events,  as  if  they  had  actually 
been  present,  and  transacted  beside  him.  He  came 
at  length  to  regard  the  exhil)ition  altogether  with  the 
eyes  of  the  child,  and  in  this  point  of  view  it  perfectly 
contented  him.  Thus  wandering  on,  they  had  now 
reached  the  gloomy  and  perplexed  periods  of  the 
history,  the  destruction  of   the    city  and  the  temple, 


go  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

the  murder,  exile,  slavery  of  whole  masses  of  this  stiff- 
necked  people.  Its  subsequent  fortunes  were  delineated 
in  a  cunning  allegorical  way :  a  real  historical  delinea- 
tion of  them  would  have  lain  without  the  limits  of 
true  art. 

At  this  point  the  gallery  abruptly  terminated  in  a 
closed  door,  and  Wilhelm  was  surprised  to  see  himself 
already  at  the  end.  "  In  your  historical  series,"  said 
he,  "  I  find  a  chasm.  You  have  destroyed  the  Temple 
of  Jerusalem,  and  dispersed  the  people ;  yet  you  have 
not  introduced  the  divine  Man  who  taught  there  shortly 
before,  to  whom,  shortly  before,  they  would  give  no 
ear." 

"  To  have  done  this,  as  you  require  it,  would  have 
been  an  error.  The  life  of  that  divine  Man,  whom 
you  allude  to,  stands  in  no  connection  with  the  general 
history  of  the  world  in  his  time.  It  was  a  private 
life,  his  teaching  was  a  teaching  for  individuals.  What 
has  publicly  befallen  vast  masses  of  people,  and  the 
minor  parts  which  compose  them,  belongs  to  the 
general  history  of  the  world,  to  the  general  religion 
of  the  world,  —  the  religion  we  have  named  the  first. 
What  inwardly  befalls  individuals  belongs  to  the 
second  religion,  the  philosophical :  such  a  religion  was 
it  that  Christ  taught  and  practised,  so  long  as  he  went 
about  on  earth.  For  this  reason  the  external  here 
closes,  and  I  now  open  to  you  the  internal." 

A  door  went  back ;  and  they  entered  a  similar 
gallery,  where  Wilhelm  soon  recognised  a  correspond- 
ing series  of  pictures  from  the  New  Testament.  They 
seemed  as  if  by  another  hand  than  the  first :  all  was 
softer,  —  forms,  movements,  accompaniments,  light,  and 
colouring. 

"  Here,"  said  the  guide,  after  they  had  looked  over  a 
few  pictures,  "  you  behold  neither  actions  nor  events, 
but  miracles  and  similitudes.  There  is  here  a  new 
world,  a  new  exterior,  different  from  the  former ;  and 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  91 

au  interior,  which  was  altogether  wanting  there.  By 
miracles  and  similitudes,  a  new  world  is  opened  up. 
Those  make  the  common  extraordinary,  these  the 
extraordinary  common." 

"  You  will  have  the  goodness,"  said  Wilhelm,  "  to 
explain  these  few  words  more  minutely ;  for,  by  my 
own  light,  I  cannot." 

"They  have  a  natural  meaning,"  said  the  other, 
"  thougli  a  deep  one.  Examples  will  bring  it  out  most 
easily  and  soonest.  There  is  nothing  more  common 
and  customary  than  eating  and  drinking;  but  it  is 
extraordinary  to  transform  a  drink  into  another  of 
more  noble  sort,  to  multiply  a  portion  of  food  that  it 
suffice  a  multitude.  Nothing  is  more  common  than 
sickness  and  corporeal  diseases ;  but  to  remove,  to 
mitigate  these  by  spiritual  or  spiritual-like  means,  is 
extraordinary ;  and  even  in  this  lies  the  wonder  of 
the  miracle,  that  the  common  and  the  extraordinary, 
the  possible  and  the  impossible,  become  one.  With  the 
similitude  again,  with  the  parable,  the  converse  is  the 
case  ;  here  it  is  the  sense,  the  view,  the  idea,  that  forms 
the  high,  the  unattainable,  the  extraordinary.  When 
this  embodies  itself  into  common,  customary,  compre- 
hensible figure,  so  that  it  meets  us  as  if  alive,  present, 
actual,  so  that  we  can  seize  it,  appropriate,  retain  it, 
live  with  it  as  with  our  equal,  this  is  a  second  sort  of 
miracle,  and  is  justly  placed  beside  the  first  sort, — 
nay,  perhaps  preferred  to  it.  Here  a  living  doctrine  is 
pronounced,  a  doctrine  which  can  cause  no  argument : 
it  is  not  an  opinion  about  what  is  right  and  wrong ;  it 
is  right  and  wTong  themselves,  and  indisputably." 

This  part  of  the  gallery  was  shorter ;  indeed,  it 
formed  but  the  fourth  part  of  the  circuit  enclosing  the 
interior  court.  Yet,  if  in  the  former  part  you  merely 
walked  along,  you  here  liked  to  linger,  you  here  w^alked 
to  and  fi-o.  The  objects  were  not  so  striking,  not  so 
varied ;  yet  they  invited  you  the   more  to  penetrate 


92  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

their  deep  still  meaning.  Our  two  friends,  accordingly, 
turned  round  at  the  end  of  the  space;  Wilhelm  at  the 
same  time  expressing  some  surprise  that  these  delinea^ 
tions  went  no  farther  than  the  Supper,  than  the  scene 
where  the  Master  and  his  disciples  part.  He  inquired 
for  the  remaining  portion  of  the  history. 

"  In  all  sorts  of  instruction,"  said  the  eldest,  "  in  all 
sorts  of  communication,  we  are  fond  of  separating  wiiat- 
ever  it  is  possible  to  separate ;  for  by  this  means  alone 
can  the  notion  of  importance  and  peculiar  significance 
arise  in  the  young  mind.  Actual  experience  of  itself 
mingles  and  mixes  all  things  together :  here,  accord- 
ingly, we  have  entirely  disjoined  that  sublime  Man's 
life  from  its  termination.  In  life,  he  appears  as  a  true 
philosopher,  —  let  not  the  expression  stagger  you,  — 
as  a  wise  man  in  the  highest  sense.  He  stands  firm 
to  his  point ;  he  goes  on  his  way  inflexibly ;  and  while 
he  exalts  the  lower  to  himself,  while  he  makes  the 
ignorant,  the  poor,  the  sick,  partakers  of  his  wisdom, 
of  his  riches,  of  his  strength,  he,  on  the  other  hand,  in 
no  wise  conceals  his  divine  origin ;  he  dares  to  equal 
himself  with  God,  —  nay,  to  declare  that  he  himself  is 
God.  In  this  manner  is  he  wont,  from  youth  upwards, 
to  astound  his  familiar  friends ;  of  these  he  gains  a 
part  to  his  own  cause,  irritates  the  rest  against  him, 
and  shows  to  all  men,  who  are  aiming  at  a  certain  ele- 
vation in  doctrine  and  life,  what  they  have  to  look  for 
from  the  world.  And  thus,  for  the  noble  portion  of 
mankind,  his  walk  and  conversation  are  even  more 
instructive  and  profitable  than  his  death ;  for  to  those 
trials  every  one  is  called,  to  this  trial  but  a  few.  Now, 
omitting  all  that  results  from  this  consideration,  do  but 
look  at  the  touching  scene  of  the  Last  Supper.  Here 
the  wise  Man,  as  it  ever  is,  leaves  those  that  are  his 
own  utterly  orphaned  behind  him ;  and,  while  he  is 
careful  for  the  good,  he  feeds  along  with  them  a  traitor 
by  whom  he  and  the  better  are  to  be  destroyed." 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  93 

Witli  these  words  the  eldest  opened  a  door,  and  Wil- 
hehn  faltered  in  surprise  as  he  found  himself  again  in 
the  first  hall  at  the  entrance.  They  had  in  the  mean- 
while, as  he  now  saw,  passed  round  the  wliole  circuit 
of  the  court.  "  I  hoped,"  said  Wilhelni,  "  you  were 
leading  me  to  the  conclusion ;  and  you  take  me  back 
to  the  beginning." 

"  For  the  present,"  said  the  eldest,  "  I  can  show  you 
notliing  further :  more  we  do  not  lay  before  our  pupils, 
more  we  do  not  explain  to  them,  than  what  you  have 
now  gone  through.  All  that  is  external,  worldly,  uid- 
versal,  we  communicate  to  each  from  youth  upwards ; 
what  is  more  particularly  spiritual,  and  conversant  with 
the  heart,  to  those  only  who  grow  up  with  some 
thouglitfulness  of  temper ;  and  the  rest,  which  is 
opened  only  once  a  year,  cannot  be  imparted  save  to 
those  whom  we  are  sending  forth  as  finished.  That 
last  rehgion  which  arises  from  the  reverence  of  what 
is  beneath  us;  that  veneration  of  the  contradictory, 
the  hated,  the  avoided,  —  we  give  each  of  our  pupils  in 
small  portions,  by  way  of  outfit,  along  with  him  into 
the  world,  merely  that  he  may  know  where  more  is  to 
be  had  should  such  a  want  spring  up  within  him.  I 
invite  you  to  return  hither  at  the  end  of  a  year,  to 
visit  our  general  festival,  and  see  how  far  your  son  is 
advanced :  then  shall  you  be  admitted  into  the  sanc- 
tuary of  sorrow." 

"  Permit  me  one  question,"  said  Wilhelm  :  "  as  you 
have  set  up  the  life  of  this  divine  Man  for  a  pattern 
and  example,  have  you  likewise  selected  his  sufferings, 
his  death,  as  a  model  of  exalted  patience  ? " 

"  Undoubtedly  we  have,"  replied  the  eldest.  "  Of 
this  we  make  no  secret ;  but  we  draw  a  veil  over 
those  sufferings,  even  because  we  reverence  them  so 
highly.  We  hold  it  a  damnable  audacity  to  bring 
forth  that  torturing  cross  and  the  Holy  One  who 
suffers  on  it,  or  to  expose  them  to  the  light  of  the  sun, 


94  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

which  hid  its  face  when  a  reckless  world  forced  such  a 
sight  on  it,  to  take  these  mysterious  secrets,  in  which 
the  divine  depth  of  sorrow  lies  hid,  and  play  with  them, 
fondle  them,  trick  them  out,  and  rest  not  till  the  most 
reverend  of  all  solemnities  appears  vulgar  and  paltry. 
Let  so  much,  for  the  present,  suffice  to  put  your  mind 
at  peace  respecting  your  son,  and  to  convince  you,  that, 
on  meeting  him  again,  you  will  find  him  trained,  more 
or  less,  in  one  department  or  another,  but  at  least  in  a 
proper  way,  and,  at  all  events,  not  wavering,  perplexed, 
and  unstable." 

Willielm  still  lingered,  looking  at  the  pictures  in 
this  entrance-hall,  and  wishing  to  get  explanation  of 
their  meaning.  "  This,  too,"  said  the  eldest,  "  we  must 
still  owe  you  for  a  twelvemonth.  The  instruction 
which,  in  the  interim,  we  give  the  children,  no  stranger 
is  allowed  to  witness :  then,  however,  come  to  us ;  and 
you  will  hear  what  our  best  speakers  think  it  service- 
able to  make  public  on  these  matters." 

Shortly  after  this  conversation  a  knocking  was 
heard  at  the  little  gate.  The  overseer  of  last  night 
announced  himself;  he  had  brought  out  Wilhelm's 
horse :  and  so  our  friend  took  leave  of  the  Three,  who, 
as  he  set  out,  consigned  him  to  the  overseer  with  these 
words  :  "  This  man  is  now  numbered  among  the  trusted, 
and  thou  understandest  what  thou  hast  to  tell  him  in 
answer  to  his  questions ;  for,  doubtless,  he  still  wishes 
to  be  informed  on  much  that  he  has  seen  and  heard 
while  here :  purpose  and  circumstance  are  known  to 
thee." 

Wilhelm  had,  in  fact,  some  more  questions  on  his 
mind ;  and  these  he  erelong  put  into  words.  As  they 
rode  along  they  were  saluted  by  the  children  as  on  the 
preceding  evening ;  but  to-day,  though  rarely,  he  now 
and  then  observed  a  boy  who  did  not  pause  in  his 
work  to  salute  the  overseer,  but  let  him  pass  unheeded. 
Wilhelm  asked  the  cause  of  this,  and  what  such  an 


MEISTER'S  TRAVELS  95 

exception  meant.  His  companion  answered,  "It  is 
full  of  meaning,  for  it  is  the  liighest  punishment  we 
inflict  on  our  pupils :  tliey  are  declared  unworthy  to 
show  reverence,  and  obliged  to  exhibit  themselves  as 
rude  and  uncultivated  natures ;  but  they  do  their 
utmost  to  get  free  of  this  situation,  and  in  general 
adapt  themselves  with  great  rapidity  to  any  duty. 
Should  a  young  creature,  on  the  other  hand,  obdurately 
make  no  attempt  at  return  and  amendment,  he  is  then 
sent  back  to  his  parents  with  a  brief  but  pointed  state- 
ment of  his  case.  Whoever  cannot  suit  himself  to  the 
regulations  must  leave  the  district  where  they  are  in 
force." 

Another  circumstance  excited  Wilhelm's  curiosity 
to-day  as  it  had  done  yesterday,  —  the  variety  of 
colour  and  shape  apparent  in  the  dress  of  the  pupils. 
Hereby  no  gradation  could  be  indicated ;  for  children 
who  saluted  differently  were  sometimes  clothed  alike, 
and  others  agi-eeing  in  salutation  differed  in  apparel. 
Wilhelm  inquired  the  reason  of  this  seeming  contra- 
diction. "  It  will  be  explained,"  said  the  other,  "  when 
I  tell  you,  that,  by  this  means,  we  endeavour  to  find 
out  the  children's  several  characters.  With  all  our 
general  strictness  and  regularity,  we  allow  in  this  point 
a  certain  latitude  of  choice.  Within  the  limits  of  our 
own  stores  of  cloths  and  garnitures  the  pupils  are 
permitted  to  select  what  colour  they  please ;  and  so, 
likewise,  within  moderate  hmits,  in  regard  to  shape 
and  cut.  Their  procedure  in  these  matters  we  accu- 
rately note  ;  for,  by  the  colour,  we  discover  their  turn  of 
thinking ;  by  the  cut,  their  turn  of  acting.  However, 
a  decisive  judgment  in  this  is  rendered  difficult  by  one 
peculiar  property  of  human  nature,  —  by  the  tendency 
to  imitate,  the  inchnation  to  unite  with  something.  It 
is  very  seldom  that  a  pupil  fancies  any  dress  that  has 
not  been  already  there :  for  most  part,  they  select 
something  known,  something  which  they  see  before 


96  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

their  eyes.  Yet  this  also  we  find  worth  observing: 
by  such  external  circumstances  they  declare  themselves 
of  one  party  or  another ;  they  unite  with  this  or  that ; 
and  thus  some  general  features  of  their  characters  are 
indicated ;  we  perceive  whither  each  tends,  what  ex- 
ample he  follows. 

"  We  have  had  cases  where  the  dispositions  of  our 
children  verged  to  generality,  where  one  fashion  threat- 
ened to  extend  over  all,  and  any  deviation  from  it  to 
dwindle  into  the  state  of  exception.  Such  a  turn  of 
matters  we  endeavour  softly  to  stop :  we  let  our  stores 
run  out ;  this  and  that  sort  of  stuff,  this  and  that  sort 
of  decoration,  is  no  longer  to  be  had :  we  introduce 
something  new  and  attractive ;  by  bright  colours,  and 
short,  smart  shape,  we  allure  the  lively;  by  grave 
shadings,  by  commodious,  many-folded  make,  the 
thoughtful,  —  and  thus,  by  degrees,  restore  the  equi- 
librium. 

"  For  to  uniform  we  are  altogether  disinclined :  it 
conceals  the  character,  and,  more  than  any  other  species 
of  distortion,  withdraws  the  pecuharities  of  children 
from  the  eye  of  their  superiors." 

Amid  this  and  other  conversation,  Wilhelm  reached 
the  border  of  the  province,  and  this  at  the  point  where, 
by  the  direction  of  his  antiquarian  friend,  he  was  to 
leave  it,  to  pursue  his  next  special  object. 

At  parting,  it  was  now  settled  with  the  overseer, 
that,  after  the  space  of  a  twelvemonth,  Wilhelm  should 
return,  when  the  grand  triennial  festival  was  to  be 
celebrated,  on  which  occasion  all  the  parents  were 
invited,  and  finished  pupils  were  sent  forth  into  the 
tasks  of  chanceful  life.  Then,  too,  so  he  was  informed, 
he  might  visit  at  his  pleasure  all  the  other  districts, 
where,  on  pecuhar  principles,  each  branch  of  education 
was  communicated,  and  reduced  to  practice,  in  complete 
isolation  and  with  every  furtherance. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

Hersilia  to  Wilhclm. 

My  valued,  and,  to  speak  it  plainly,  dear  friend,  you 
are  wrong,  and  yet,  as  acting  on  your  own  conviction, 
not  wrong  either.  So  the  nut-brown  maid  is  found, 
then,  —  found,  seen,  spoken  to,  known,  and  acknowl- 
edged !  And  you  tell  us  further,  that  it  is  impossible 
to  wish  this  strange  person,  in  her  own  way,  any  hap- 
pier condition,  or,  in  her  present  one,  to  be  of  any  real 
advantage  to  her. 

And  now  you  make  it  a  point  of  conscience  not  to 
tell  us  where  that  wondrous  being  lives.  This  you 
may  settle  with  your  own  conscience,  but  to  us  it  is 
unconscionable.  You  think  to  calm  Lenardo  by  assur- 
ing him  that  she  is  well.  He  had  said,  almost  prom- 
ised, that  he  would  content  himself  with  this;  but 
what  will  not  the  passionate  promise  for  others  and 
themselves !  Know,  then,  that  the  matter  is  not  in 
the  least  concluded  as  it  yet  stands.  She  is  happy, 
you  tell  us,  —  happy  by  her  own  activity  and  merit : 
but  the  youth  would  like  to  learn  the  How,  the  When, 
and  the  Where ;  and,  what  is  worse  than  this,  his 
sisters,  too,  would  like  to  learn.  Half  a  year  is  gone 
since  your  departure :  till  the  end  of  another  half-year 
we  cannot  hope  to  see  you.  Could  not  you,  like  a 
shrewd  and  knowing  man,  contrive  to  play  your  eter- 
nal Rouge-et-Noir  in  our  neighbourhood  ?  I  have  seen 
people  that  could  make  the  knight  skip  over  all  the 
chess-board  without  ever  lighting  twice  on  one  spot. 

97 


98  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

You  should  learn  this  feat :  your  friends  would  not  have 
to  want  you  so  long. 

But,  to  set  my  good  will  to  you  in  the  clearest  hght, 
I  now  tell  you  in  confidence,  that  there  are  two  most 
enchanting  creatures  on  the  road :  whence  I  say  not, 
nor  whither ;  described  they  cannot  be,  and  no  eulogy 
will  do  them  justice.  A  younger  and  an  elder  lady, 
between  whom  it  always  grieves  one  to  make  choice, 
—  the  former  so  lovely,  that  all  must  wish  to  be 
loved  by  her ;  the  latter  so  attractive,  that  you  must 
wish  to  live  beside  her,  though  she  did  not  love  you. 
I  could  like,  with  all  my  heart,  to  see  you  hemmed 
in  for  three  days  between  these  two  splendours :  on  the 
morning  of  the  fourth,  your  rigorous  vow  would  stand 
you  in  excellent  stead. 

By  way  of  foretaste  I  send  you  a  story,  which,  in 
some  degree,  refers  to  them:  what  of  it  is  true  or 
fictitious  you  can  try  to  learn  from  themselves. 

THE    MAN    OF    FIFTY. 

The  major  came  riding  into  the  court  of  the  man- 
sion ;  and  Hilaria,  his  niece,  was  already  standing 
without,  to  receive  him  at  the  bottom  of  the  stairs 
which  led  up  to  the  apartments.  Scarcely  could  he 
recognise  her ;  for  she  had  grown,  both  in  stature  and 
beauty.  She  flew  to  meet  him :  he  pressed  her  to  his 
breast  with  the  feeling  of  a  father. 

To  the  baroness,  his  sister,  he  was  likewise  welcome  ; 
and,  as  Hilaria  hastily  retired  to  prepare  breakfast, 
the  major  said  with  a  joyful  air,  "  For  this  time  I  can 
come  to  the  point  at  once,  and  say  that  our  business 
is  finished.  Our  brother,  the  chief  marshal,  has  at  last 
convinced  himself  that  he  can  neither  manage  farmers 
nor  stewards.  In  his  lifetime  he  makes  over  the 
estates  to  us  and  our  children :  the  annuity  he  bargains 
for  is  high,  indeed,  but  we  can  still  pay  it ;  we  gain 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  99 

something  for  the  present,  and  for  the  future  all.  This 
new  arrangement  is  to  be  completed  forthwith.  And, 
as  T  very  soon  expect  my  discharge,  I  can  again  look 
forward  to  an  active  life,  which  may  secure  decided 
advantages  to  us  and  ours.  We  shall  calmly  see  our 
children  growing  up  beside  us ;  and  it  will  depend  on 
us,  on  them,  to  hasten  their  union." 

"  All  this  were  well,"  said  the  baroness,  "  had  not  I 
a  secret  to  inform  thee  of,  which  I  myself  discovered 
first.  Hilaria's  heart  is  no  longer  free :  on  her  side 
thy  son  has  little  or  nothing  to  hope  for." 

"  What  sayest  thou  ? "  cried  the  major.  "  Is  it  possi- 
ble ?  While  we  have  been  taking  all  pains  to  settle 
economical  concerns,  does  inclination  play  us  such 
a  trick  ?  Tell  me,  love,  quick,  tell  me,  who  is  it  that 
has  fettered  Hilaria's  heart  ?  Or  is  it  then,  so  bad  as 
this  ?  Is  it  not,  perhaps,  some  transient  impression  we 
may  hope  to  efface  again  ? " 

"  Thou  must  think  and  guess  a  little  first,"  replied 
the  baroness,  and  thereby  heightened  his  impatience. 
It  had  mounted  to  the  utmost  pitch,  when  the  entrance 
of  Hilaria,  with  the  servants  bringing  in  breakfast,  put 
a  negative  on  any  quick  solution  of  the  riddle. 

The  major  himself  thought  he  saw  the  fair  girl  with 
other  eyes  than  a  little  while  before.  He  almost  felt 
as  if  jealous  of  the  happy  man  whose  image  had  been 
able  to  imprint  itself  on  a  soul  so  lovely.  The  break- 
fast he  could  not  relish ;  and  he  noticed  not  that  all 
was  ordered  as  he  liked  to  have  it,  and  as  he  had 
used  to  wish  and  require  it. 

In  this  silence  and  stagnation  Hilaria  herself  almost 
lost  her  liveliness.  The  mother  felt  embarrassed  and 
led  her  daughter  to  the  harpsichord  ;  but  Hilaria's 
sprightly  and  expressive  playing  scarcely  extorted 
any  approbation  from  the  major.  He  wished  the 
breakfast  and  the  lovely  gii-1  fairly  out  of  the  way; 
and  the   baroness  was  at  last  obliged  to  resolve  on 


lOO  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

breaking  up,  and  proposed  to  her  brother  a  walk  in 
the  garden. 

No  sooner  were  they  by  themselves,  than  the  major 
pressingly  repeated  his  question,  to  which,  after  a 
pause,  his  sister  answered,  smihng,  "  If  thou  wouldst 
find  the  happy  man  whom  she  loves,  thou  hast  not  far 
to  go  :  he  is  quite  at  hand  ;  she  loves  thee  !  " 

The  major  stopped  in  astonishment,  then  cried,  "  It 
were  a  most  unseasonable  jest  to  trick  me  into  such  a 
thought,  which,  if  true,  would  make  me  so  embarrassed 
and  unhappy.  For,  though  I  need  time  to  recover 
from  my  amazement,  I  see  at  one  glance  how  grievously 
our  circumstances  would  be  disturbed  by  so  unlooked- 
for  an  accident.  The  only  thing  that  comforts  me,  is 
my  persuasion  that  attachments  of  this  sort  are  appar- 
ent merely,  that  a  self-deception  lurks  behind  them, 
and  that  a  good,  true  soul  will  undoubtedly  return 
from  such  mistakes,  either  by  its  own  strength,  or 
at  least  by  a  little  help  from  judicious  friends." 

"  I  am  not  of  that  opinion,"  said  the  baroness :  "  by 
all  the  symptoms,  Hilaria's  present  feeling  is  a  very 
serious  one." 

"  A  thing  so  unnatural  I  should  not  have  expected 
from  so  natural  a  character,"  rephed  the  major. 

"  So  unnatural  it  is  not,  after  all,"  said  his  sister. 
"  I  myself  recollect  having,  in  my  own  youth,  an 
attachment  to  a  man  still  older  than  thou.  Thou  art 
fifty,  —  not  so  very  gi-eat  an  age  for  a  German,  if, 
perhaps,  other  livelier  nations  do  fail  sooner." 

"  But  how  dost  thou  support  thy  conjecture  ? "  said 
the  major. 

"  It  is  no  conjecture,  it  is  certainty.  The  details 
thou  shalt  learn  by  and  by." 

Hilaria  joined  them ;  and  the  major  felt  himself, 
against  his  will,  a  second  time  altered.  Her  presence 
seemed  to  him  still  dearer  and  more  precious  than  be- 
fore, her  manner  more  affectionate  and  tender :  already 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  loi 

he  began  to  put  some  faith  in  liis  sister's  statement. 
The  feeling  was  highly  deliglitful,  though  he  neither 
would  permit  nor  confess  this  to  his  mind.  Hilaria 
was,  in  truth,  peculiarly  interesting :  her  manner 
blended  in  closest  union  a  soft  shyness  as  toward 
a  lover,  and  a  trustful  frankness  as  toward  an  uncle  ; 
for  she  really,  and  with  her  whole  soul,  loved  him. 
The  garden  lay  in  all  the  pomp  of  spring;  and  the 
major,  who  saw  so  many  old  trees  again  putting  on 
their  vesture,  might  also  believe  in  the  returning  of  his 
own  spring.  And  who  would  not  have  been  tempted 
to  it  at  the  side  of  this  most  lovely  maiden  ? 

So  passed  the  day  with  them  ;  the  various  household 
epochs  were  gone  through  in  high  cheerfulness :  in  the 
evening,  after  supper,  Hilaria  returned  to  her  harp- 
sichord ;  the  major  listened  with  other  ears  than  in  the 
morning:  one  melody  winded  into  another,  one  song 
produced  a  second;  and  scarcely  could  midnight  sep- 
arate the  little  party. 

On  retiring  to  his  room,  the  major  found  everything 
arranged  to  suit  his  old  habitual  conveniences :  some 
copper-plates,  even,  which  he  liked  to  look  at,  had  been 
shifted  from  other  apartments ;  and,  his  eyes  being  at 
last  opened,  he  saw  himself  attended  to  and  flattered  in 
the  most  minute  particulars. 

A  few  hours'  sleep  sufficed  on  this  occasion :  his 
buoyant  spirits  aroused  him  early.  But  now  he  soon 
found  occasion  to  observe  that  a  new  order  of  things 
carries  many  inconveniences  along  with  it.  His  old 
groom,  who  also  discharged  the  functions  of  lackey  and 
valet,  he  had  not  once  reproved  during  many  years,  for 
all  went  its  usual  course  in  the  most  rigid  order ;  the 
horses  were  dressed  and  the  clothes  brushed  at  the 
proper  moment:  but  to-day  the  master  had  risen 
earher,  and  nothing  suited  as  it  used  to  do. 

Erelong  a  new  circumstance  combined  with  this  to 
ruffle  him  still  further.     At  other  times  all  had  been 


I02  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

right,  as  his  servant  had  prepared  it  for  him :  now, 
however,  on  advancing  to  the  glass,  he  found  himself 
not  at  all  as  he  wished  to  be.  Some  gray  hairs  he 
could  not  deny,  and  of  wrinkles  also  there  appears  to 
have  been  a  trace  or  two.  He  wiped  and  powdered 
more  than  usual,  and  was  fain  at  last  to  let  matters 
stand  as  they  could.  Then  it  seemed  there  were  still 
creases  in  his  coat,  and  still  dust  on  his  boots.  The 
old  groom  knew  not  what  to  make  of  this,  and  was 
amazed  to  see  so  altered  a  master  before  him. 

In  spite  of  all  these  hinderances,  the  major  got  down 
to  the  garden  in  good  time.  Hilaria,  whom  he  hoped 
to  find  there,  he  actually  found.  She  brought  him 
a  nosegay ;  and  he  had  not  the  heart  to  kiss  her  as 
usual,  and  press  her  to  his  breast.  He  felt  himself  in 
the  most  delightful  embarrassment,  and  yielded  to  his 
feelings  without  reflecting  whither  they  might  carry 
him. 

The  baroness  soon  joined  them,  and,  directing  her 
brother  to  a  note  which  had  just  been  brought  her  by 
a  special  messenger,  she  cried,  "  Thou  wilt  not  guess 
whom  this  announces  to  us !  " 

"  Tell  us  at  once,  then,"  said  the  major ;  and  it  now 
appeared  that  an  old  theatrical  friend  was  travelling 
by  a  road  not  far  off,  and  purposing  to  call  for  a 
moment.  "  I  am  anxious  to  see  him  again,"  said  the 
major :  "  he  is  no  chicken  now,  and  I  hear  he  still 
plays  young  parts." 

"  He  must  be  ten  years  older  than  thou,"  replied  the 
baroness. 

"  He  must,"  said  the  major,  "  from  all  that  I 
remember." 

They  had  not  waited  long,  when  a  lively,  handsome, 
courteous  man  stepped  forward  to  them.  Yet  the 
friends  soon  recognised  each  other,  and  recollections  of 
all  sorts  enlivened  the  conversation.  They  proceeded 
to  questions,  to  answers,  to  narratives :  they  mutually 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  103 

made  known  their  present  situations,  and  in  a  short 
time  felt  as  if  tliey  had  never  been  separated. 

Secret  history  informs  us  that  this  person  liad,  in 
former  days,  being  then  a  very  elegant  and  graceful 
youth,  the  good  or  bad  fortune  to  attract  the  favour  of 
a  lady  of  rank  ;  that,  by  this  means,  he  had  come  into 
perplexity  and  danger,  out  of  which  the  major,  at  the 
very  moment  wlien  the  saddest  fate  seemed  impending, 
had  happily  delivered  iiim.  From  that  hour  he  con- 
tinued grateful  to  the  brother  as  well  as  to  the  sister ; 
for  it  was  she  that,  by  timeful  warning,  had  originated 
their  precautions. 

For  awhile  before  dinner  the  men  were  left  alone. 
Not  without  surprise,  nay,  in  some  measure  with 
amazement,  had  the  major  viewed,  as  a  whole  and  in 
detail,  the  exterior  condition  of  his  old  friend.  He 
seemed  not  in  the  smallest  altered,  and  it  was  not  to 
be  wondered  at  that  he  could  still  appear  on  the  stage 
as  an  actor  of  youthful  parts.  "  Thou  inspectest  me 
more  strictly  than  is  fair,"  said  he  at  last  to  the  major : 
"  I  fear  thou  findest  the  difference  between  this  and 
bygone  times  but  too  great." 

"  Not  at  all,"  replied  the  major :  "  on  the  contrary,  it 
fills  me  with  astonishment  to  find  thy  look  fresher 
and  younger  than  mine ;  though  I  know  thou  wert 
a  firm-set  man  at  the  time  when  I,  mth  the  bold- 
ness of  a  callow  desperado,  stood  by  thee  in  certain 
straits." 

"  It  is  thy  own  fault,"  replied  the  other :  "  it  is  the 
fault  of  all  like  thee ;  and,  though  you  are  not  to 
be  loudly  censured  for  it,  you  are  still  to  be  blamed. 
You  think  only  of  the  needful :  you  wish  to  be,  not  to 
seem.  This  is  very  well  so  long  as  one  is  anything. 
But  when,  at  last,  being  comes  to  recommend  itself  by 
seeming,  and  this  seeming  is  found  to  be  even  more 
transient  than  the  being,  then  every  one  of  you  dis- 
covers  that    he   should    not    have  done  amiss,  if,  in 


I04  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

his  care  for  what  was  inward,  he  had  not  entirely 
neglected  what  was  outward." 

"  Thou  art  right,"  replied  the  major,  and  could 
scarcely  suppress  a  sigh. 

"  Perhaps  not  altogether  right,"  said  the  aged  youth ; 
"  for  though  in  my  trade  it  were  unpardonable  if  one 
did  not  try  to  parget  up  the  outward  man  as  long  as 
possible,  you  people  need  to  think  of  other  things, 
which  are  more  important  and  profitable." 

"  Yet  there  are  occasions,"  said  the  major,  "  when  a 
man  feels  fresh  internally,  and  could  wish,  with  all  his 
heart,  that  he  were  fresh  externally  too." 

As  the  stranger  could  not  have  the  shghtest  suspi- 
cion of  the  major's  real  state  of  mind,  he  took  these 
words  in  a  soldierly  sense,  and  copiously  explained 
how  much  depended  on  externals  in  the  art  military, 
and  how  the  officer  who  had  so  much  attention  to 
bestow  on  dress  might  apply  a  little  also  to  skin  and 
hair. 

"  For  example,"  continued  he,  "  it  is  inexcusable  that 
your  temples  are  already  gi'ay,  that  wrinkles  are  here 
and  there  gathering  together,  and  that  your  crown 
threatens  to  grow  bald.  Now  look  at  me,  old  fellow 
as  I  am !  See  how  I  have  held  out !  And  all  this 
without  witchcraft,  and  with  far  less  pains  and  care 
than  others  take,  day  after  day,  in  spoiHng,  or  at  least 
wearying,  themselves." 

The  major  found  this  accidental  conversation  too 
precious  an  affair  to  think  of  ending  it  soon,  but  he 
went  to  work  softly  and  with  precaution  toward  even 
an  old  acquaintance.  "  This  opportunity,  alas  !  I  have 
lost,"  cried  he ;  "  and  it  is  past  recalling  now :  I  must 
even  content  myself  as  I  am,  and  you  will  not  think 
worse  of  me  on  that  account." 

"  Lost  it  is  not,"  said  the  other,  "  were  not  you  grave 
gentlemen  so  stiff  and  stubborn,  did  you  not  directly 
call  one  vain  if  he  thinks  about  his  person,  and  cast 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  105 

away   from   you  the   happiness  of  being   in    pleasant 
company,  and  pleasing  there  yourselves." 

"  If  it  is  not  magic,"  smiled  the  major,  "  that  you  peo- 
ple use  for  keeping  yourselves  young,  it  is,  at  all  events, 
a  secret:  or  at  least,  you  have  arcana,  such  as  one 
often  sees  bepraised  in  newspapers ;  and  from  these 
you  pick  out  the  best." 

"  Joke  or  earnest,"  said  the  other,  "  thou  hast  spoken 
truth.  Among  the  many  things  that  have  been  tried 
for  giving  some  repair  to  the  exterior,  which  often 
fails  far  sooner  than  the  interior,  there  are,  in  fact,  cer- 
tain invaluable  recipes,  simple  as  well  as  compound; 
which,  as  imparted  to  me  by  brethren  of  the  craft, 
purchased  for  ready  money,  or  hit  upon  by  chance,  I 
have  proved,  and  found  effectual.  By  these  I  now  hold 
fast  and  persevere,  yet  without  abandoning  my  further 
researches.  So  much  I  may  tell  thee,  and  without 
exaggeration:  a  dressing-box  I  carry  with  me  beyond 
all  price !  A  box  whose  influences  I  could  like  to  try 
on  thee,  if  we  chanced  any  time  to  be  a  fortnight 
together." 

The  thought  that  such  a  tbing  was  possible,  and 
that  this  possibility  was  held  out  to  him  so  acciden- 
tally at  the  very  moment  of  need,  enlivened  the  spirit 
of  the  major  to  such  a  degree  that  he  actually  appeared 
much  fresher  and  brisker  already :  at  table,  excited  by 
the  liope  of  bringing  head  and  face  into  harmony  vidth 
his  heart,  and  by  eagerness  to  get  acquainted  with  the 
methods  of  doing  so,  he  was  quite  another  man ;  he 
met  Hilaria's  graceful  attentions  with  alacrity  of  soul, 
and  even  looked  at  her  with  a  certain  confidence,  which, 
in  the  morning,  he  was  far  from  feeling. 

If  the  dramatic  stranger  had  contrived,  by  many 
recollections,  stories,  and  happy  hits,  to  keep  up  the 
cheerful  humour  once  excited,  he  so  much  the  more 
alarmed  the  major,  on  signifying,  when  the  cloth  was 
removed,  that  he  must  now  think  of  setting  forth,  and 


io6  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

continuing  his  journey.  By  every  scheme  in  his  power 
the  major  strove  to  facilitate  his  friend's  stay,  at  least 
for  the  night ;  he  pressingly  engaged  to  have  horses 
and  relays  in  readiness  next  morning :  in  a  word,  the 
healing  toilet  was  absolutely  not  to  get  out  of  the 
premises,  till  once  he  had  obtained  more  light  on  its 
contents  and  use. 

The  major  saw  very  well  that  here  no  time  must  be 
lost :  he  accordingly  endeavoured,  soon  after  dinner,  to 
take  his  old  favourite  aside  and  speak  with  him  in 
private.  Not  having  the  heart  to  proceed  directly  to 
the  point,  he  steered  toward  it  from  afar  off,  and,  tak- 
ing up  the  former  conversation,  signified  that  he,  for 
his  part,  would  willingly  bestow  more  care  on  his 
exterior,  were  it  not  that  people,  the  moment  they 
observed  a  man  making  such  an  attempt,  marked  him 
down  for  vain,  and  so  deducted  from  him,  in  regard  to 
moral  esteem,  what  they  felt  obliged  to  yield  him  in 
regard  to  sensible. 

"Do  not  vex  me  with  such  phrases  ! "  said  his  friend : 
"these  are  words  to  which  society  has  got  accustomed 
without  attaching  any  meaning  to  them,  or,  if  we  take 
it  up  more  strictly,  by  which  it  indicates  its  unfriendly 
and  spiteful  nature.  If  thou  consider  it  rightly,  what, 
after  all,  is  this  same  vanity  they  make  so  much  ado 
about  ?  Every  man  should  feel  some  pleasure  in 
himself,  and  happy  he  who  feels  it.  But  if  he  does 
feel  it,  how  can  he  help  letting  others  notice  it  ?  How 
shall  he  hide,  in  the  midst  of  life,  that  it  gives  him  joy 
to  be  alive  ?  If  good  society,  and  I  mean  this  exclu- 
sively here,  only  blamed  such  indications  when  they 
became  too  violent ;  when  the  joy  of  one  man  over  his 
existence  hindered  others  to  have  joy  and  to  show  it 
over  theirs,  —  it  were  good  and  well ;  and  from  this 
excess  the  censure  has,  in  fact,  originally  sprung.  But 
what  are  we  to  make  of  that  strange,  prim,  abnegating 
rigour  against  a  thing  which  cannot  be  avoided  ?    Why 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  107 

should  not  a  display  of  feeling  on  the  part  of  others  be 
considered  innocent  and  tolerable,  which,  more  or  less, 
we  from  time  to  time  allow  ourselves  ?  For  it  is  the 
pleasure  one  has  in  himself,  the  desire  to  communicate 
this  consciousness  of  his  to  others,  that  makes  a  man 
agreeable,  —  the  feehug  of  his  own  gi-ace  that  makes 
him  graceful.  Would  to  Heaven  all  men  were  vain! 
that  is,  were  vain  with  clear  perception,  with  modera- 
tion, and  in  a  proper  sense:  we  should  then,  in  the 
cultivated  world,  have  happy  times  of  it.  Women,  it 
is  told  us,  are  vain  from  the  very  cradle;  yet  does 
it  not  become  them,  do  they  not  please  us  the  more  ? 
How  can  a  youth  form  himself  if  he  is  not  vain  ?  An 
empty,  hollow  nature  will,  by  this  means,  at  least  con- 
trive to  give  itself  an  outward  show ;  and  a  proper 
man  will  soon  train  himself  from  the  outside  inwards. 
As  to  my  own  share,  I  have  reason  to  consider  myself, 
in  this  point,  a  most  happy  man :  for  my  trade  justifies 
me  in  being  vain  ;  and,  the  vainer  I  am,  the  more  satis- 
faction I  give.  I  am  praised  when  others  are  blamed, 
and  have  still,  in  this  very  way,  the  happiness  and  the 
right  to  gratify  and  charm  the  public  at  an  age  when 
others  are  constrained  to  retire  from  the  scene,  or  linger 
on  it  only  with  disgi'ace." 

The  major  heard  with  no  great  joy  the  issue  of  these 
reflections.  The  httle  word  vanity,  as  he  pronounced 
it,  had  been  meant  to  serve  as  a  transition  for  enabling 
him  to  introduce,  with  some  propriety,  the  statement 
of  his  own  wish.  But  now  he  was  afraid,  if  their 
dialogue  proceeded  thus,  he  should  be  led  still  farther 
from  his  aim :  so  he  hastened  to  the  point  dii-ectly. 

"  For  my  own  part,"  said  he,  "  I  should  by  no  means 
disincline  to  enhst  under  thy  flag,  since  thou  still 
boldest  it  to  be  in  time,  and  thinkest  I  might  yet  in 
some  degi-ee  make  up  for  what  is  lost.  Impart  to  me 
somewhat  of  thy  tinctures,  pomades,  and  balsams ;  and 
I  will  make  a  trial  of  them," 


io8  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  Imparting,"  said  the  other,  "  is  a  harder  task  than 
you  suppose.  Here,  for  example,  it  were  still  to  small 
purpose  that  I  poured  thee  out  some  hquors  from  my 
vials,  and  left  the  half  of  the  best  ingredients  in  my 
toilet :  the  appliance  is  the  hardest.  You  cannot,  on 
the  instant,  appropriate  what  is  given  you.  How  this 
and  that  suit  together ;  under  what  circumstances,  in 
what  sequence,  things  are  to  be  used,  —  all  this  re- 
quires practice  and  study,  —  nay,  study  and  practice 
themselves  will  scarcely  profit,  if  one  bring  not  to  the 
business  a  natural  genius  for  it." 

"  Thou  art  now,  it  seems,  for  drawing  back,"  said  the 
major.  "  Thou  raisest  difficulties  when  I  would  have 
thy  truly  somewhat  fabulous  assertions  rendered  cer- 
tain. Thou  hast  no  mind  to  let  me  try  thy  words  by 
the  test  of  action." 

"  By  such  banterings,  my  friend,"  rephed  the  other, 
"  thou  wouldst  not  prevail  on  me  to  gratify  thy  wish, 
if  it  were  not  that  I  entertain  such  affection  for  thee, 
and,  indeed,  first  made  the  proposal  myself.  Besides, 
if  we  consider  it,  man  has  quite  a  pecuhar  pleasure 
in  making  proselytes ;  in  bringing  what  he  values  in 
himself  into  view  also,  without  himself,  on  others ; 
causing  others  to  enjoy  what  he  enjoys ;  finding  in 
others  his  own  likeness,  represented  and  reflected  back 
to  him.  In  sooth,  if  this  is  selfishness,  it  is  of  the 
most  laudable  and  lovable  sort,  —  that  selfishness  which 
has  made  us  men  and  keeps  us  so.  From  this  uni- 
versal feehng,  then,  apart  from  my  friendship  to  thee, 
I  shall  be  happy  in  having  such  a  scholar  in  the  great 
youth-renewing  art.  But,  as  from  a  master  it  may 
be  expected  that  he  shall  produce  no  botcher  by  his 
training,  I  confess  myself  a  little  at  a  loss  how  to  set 
about  it.  I  told  thee  already  that  neither  recipes  nor 
instructions  would  avail :  the  practice  cannot  be  taught 
by  universal  rules.  For  my  sake,  and  from  the  wish 
to  propagate   my  doctrine,  I  am  ready  to  make  any 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  109 

sacrifice.  The  greatest  in  my  power  for  the  present 
moment  I  will  now  propose  to  thee.  I  shall  leave 
my  servant  here,  —  a  sort  of  waiting-man  and  conjurer, 
—  who,  if  he  does  not  understand  preparing  every- 
thing, if  he  has  not  yet  been  initiated  into  all  the 
mysteries,  can  apply  my  preparations  perfectly,  and, 
in  the  first  stage  of  the  attempt,  will  be  of  great  use 
to  thee,  till  once  tliou  have  worked  thy  way  so  far 
into  the  art,  that  I  may  reveal  to  thee  the  higher  secrets 
also." 

"  How ! "  cried  the  major,  "  thou  hast  stages  and 
degrees  in  thy  art  of  making  young  ?  Thou  hast 
secrets,  even  for  the  initiated  ?  " 

"  No  doubt  of  it,"  replied  the  other.  "  That  were 
but  a  sorry  art  which  could  be  comprehended  all  at 
once,  the  last  point  of  which  could  be  seen  by  one  just 
entering  its  precincts." 

Without  loss  of  time  the  waiting-man  was  formally 
consigned  to  the  major,  who  engaged  to  treat  him 
handsomely.  The  baroness  was  called  on  for  drawers, 
boxes,  glasses,  to  what  purpose  she  knew  not ;  the 
partition  of  the  toilet-store  went  forward ;  the  friends 
kept  together  in  a  gay  and  sprightly  mood  till  after 
nightfall.  At  moonrise,  some  time  later,  the  guest 
took  his  leave,  promising  erelong  to  return. 

The  major  reached  his  chamber  pretty  much  fatigued. 
He  had  risen  early,  had  not  spared  himself  throughout 
the  day,  and  now  hoped  very  soon  to  get  to  bed.  But 
here,  instead  of  one  servant,  he  found  two.  The  old 
groom,  in  his  old  way,  rapidly  undressed  him ;  but 
now  the  waiting-man  stepped  forth,  and  signified,  that, 
for  appliances  of  a  renovating  and  cosmetic  nature, 
the  peculiar  season  was  night,  that  so  their  effects, 
assisted  by  a  peaceful  sleep,  might  be  stronger  and 
safer.  The  major  was  obliged  to  content  himself,  and 
let  his  head  be  anointed,  his  face  painted,  his  eyebrows 
pencilled,  and  his  lips  tipped  with  salve.     Besides  all 


no  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

this,  there  were  various  ceremonies  still  required ;  nay, 
the  very  night-cap  was  not  to  be  put  on  immediately, 
not  till  a  net,  or  even  a  fine  leather  cap,  had  been 
drawn  on  next  the  head. 

The  major  laid  himself  in  bed  with  a  sort  of  un- 
pleasant feeling,  which,  however,  he  had  no  time  to 
investigate  the  nature  of ;  as  he  very  soon  fell  asleep. 
But,  if  we  might  speak  with  his  spirit,  we  should  say 
he  felt  a  Httle  mummy-like,  somewhat  between  a  sick 
man  and  a  man  embalmed.  Yet  the  sweet  image  of 
Hilaria,  encircled  with  the  gayest  hopes,  soon  led  him 
into  a  refreshing  sleep. 

In  the  morning,  at  the  proper  hour,  the  groom  was 
ready  in  his  place.  All  that  pertained  to  his  master's 
equipment  lay  in  wonted  order  on  the  chairs ;  and  the 
major  was  just  on  the  point  of  rising,  when  the  new 
attendant  entered,  and  strongly  protested  against  any 
such  precipitation.  He  must  rest,  he  must  wait,  if 
their  enterprise  were  to  prosper,  if  they  were  to  be 
rewarded  for  their  pains  and  labour.  The  major  now 
learned  that  he  had  to  rise  by  and  by,  to  take  a  slight 
breakfast,  and  then  go  into  a  bath,  which  was  already 
prepared  for  him.  The  regulations  were  inflexible, 
they  required  a  strict  observance ;  and  some  hours 
passed  away  under  these  occupations. 

The  major  abridged  the  resting-time  after  his  bath, 
and  thought  to  get  his  clothes  about  him :  for  he  was 
by  nature  expeditious,  and  at  present  he  longed  to  see 
Hilaria  ;  but  in  this  point  also  his  new  servant  thwarted 
him,  and  signified,  that  in  all  cases  he  must  drop  the 
thought  of  being  in  a  hurry.  Whatever  he  did,  it 
appeared,  must  be  done  leisurely  and  pleasurably ;  but 
the  time  of  dressing  was  especially  to  be  considered  as 
a  cheerful  hour  for  conversation  with  one's  self. 

The  valet's  manner  of  proceeding  completely  agreed 
with  his  words.  But,  in  return,  the  major,  when,  on 
stepping  forward  to  the  glass,  he  saw  himself  trimmed 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  m 

out  in  the  neatest  fashion,  really  thought  that  he  was 
better  dressed  than  formerly.  Without  many  words 
the  conjurer  had  changed  the  very  uniform  into  a 
newer  cut,  having  spent  the  night  in  working  at  it. 
An  apparently  so  quick  rejuvenescence  put  the  major 
in  his  liveliest  mood  ;  so  that  he  felt  himself  as  if 
renovated,  both  without  and  within,  and  hastened  with 
impatient  longing  to  his  friends. 

He  found  his  sister  engaged  in  looking  at  the  pedi- 
gree which  she  had  caused  to  be  hung  up ;  the  con- 
versation last  night  having  turned  on  some  collateral 
relations,  unmarried  persons,  or  resident  in  foreign 
countries,  or  entirely  gone  out  of  sight,  from  all  of 
whom  the  baroness  and  her  brother  had  more  or  less 
hope  of  heritages  for  themselves  or  their  families. 
They  conversed  awhile  on  these  matters,  without 
mentioning  the  circumstance  that  all  their  economical 
cares  and  exertions  had  hitherto  been  solely  directed 
to  their  children.  By  Hilaria's  attachment  the  whole 
of  this  prospect  liad  altered,  yet  neither  the  major  nor 
his  sister  could  summon  courage  to  mention  it  further 
at  this  moment. 

The  baroness  left  the  room :  the  major  was  standing 
alone  before  this  laconic  history  of  his  family ;  Hilaria 
stepped  in  to  liim ;  she  leaned  herself  on  him  in  a 
kind,  childlike  way,  looked  at  the  parchment,  and 
asked  him  whom  of  all  these  he  had  known,  and  who  of 
them  were  still  left  and  living. 

The  major  began  his  delineation  with  the  oldest  of 
whom  any  dim  recollection  remained  with  him  from 
childhood.  Then  he  proceeded  farther;  painted  the 
characters  of  several  fathers,  the  likeness  or  unlikeness 
of  their  children  to  them ;  remarked  that  the  grand- 
father often  reappeared  in  the  grandson ;  spoke,  by 
the  way,  of  the  influence  of  certain  women,  wedded  out 
of  stranger  families,  and  sometimes  changing  the  char- 
acter of  whole  branches.     He  eulogised  the  virtue  of 


112  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

many  an  ancestor  and  relative,  nor  did  he  hide  their 
failings.  Such  as  had  brought  shame  on  their  hneage 
he  passed  in  silence.  At  length  he  reached  the  lowest 
Unes.  Here  stood  his  brother,  the  chief  marshal  him- 
self, and  his  sister,  and  beneath  him  his  son  with 
Hilaria  at  his  side. 

"  These  two  look  each  other  straight  enough  in  the 
face,"  said  the  major ;  not  adding  what  he  thought  of 
the  matter  in  his  heart. 

After  a  pause  Hilaria  answered,  in  a  meek,  small 
tone,  and  almost  with  a  sigh,  "  Yet  those,  surely,  are 
not  to  blame  who  look  upward."  At  the  same  time 
she  looked  up  to  him  with  a  pair  of  eyes  out  of  which 
her  whole  love  was  speaking. 

"  Do  I  understand  thee  rightly  ? "  said  the  major, 
turning  round  to  her. 

"I  can  say  nothing,"  answered  she,  with  a  smile, 
"  which  you  do  not  know  already." 

"  Thou  makest  me  the  happiest  man  under  the 
sun,"  cried  he,  and  fell  at  her  feet.  "Wilt  thou  be 
mine  ? " 

"  For  Heaven's  sake,  rise !     I  am  thine  for  ever." 

The  baroness  entered.  Though  not  surprised,  she 
rather  hesitated.  "  If  it  be  wrong,  sister,"  said  the 
major,  "the  blame  is  thine:  if  it  be  right,  we  will 
thank  thee  for  ever." 

The  baroness  from  youth  upwards  had  so  loved  her 
brother  that  she  preferred  him  to  all  men ;  and 
perhaps  Hilaria's  attachment  itself  had,  if  not  arisen 
from  this  sisterly  partiality,  at  least  been  cherished  by 
it.  All  three  now  united  in  one  love,  in  one  delight ; 
and  thus  the  happiest  hours  flew  over  them.  Yet,  at 
last,  their  eyes  reopened  to  the  world  around  them 
likewise ;  and  this  rarely  stands  in  unison  with  such 
emotions. 

They  now  again  bethought  them  of  the  son.  For 
him  Hilaria  had  been  destined :  this  he  himself  well 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  113 

knew.  Directly  after  finisliing  tlie  business  with  the 
chief  marshal,  the  major  had  appointed  his  son  to  ex- 
pect him  in  the  garrison,  that  they  might  settle  every 
thing  together,  and  conduct  these  purposes  to  a  happy 
issue.  But  now,  by  an  unexpected  occurrence,  the 
whole  state  of  matters  had  been  thrown  out  of  joint ; 
the  circumstances  which  before  plied  into  one  another 
so  kindly,  now  seemed  to  be  assuming  a  hostile  aspect ; 
and  it  was  not  easy  to  foresee  what  turn  the  affair 
would  take,  what  temper  would  seize  the  individuals 
concerned  in  it. 

Meanwhile  the  major  was  obliged  to  resolve  on 
visiting  his  son,  to  whom  he  had  already  announced 
himself.  Not  without  reluctance,  not  without  singu- 
lar forecastings,  not  %vithout  pain  at  even  for  a  short 
time  leaving  Hilaria,  he  at  last,  after  much  lingering, 
took  the  road,  and,  leaving  gi-oom  and  horses  behind 
him,  proceeded  with  his  cosmetic  valet,  who  had  now 
become  an  iadispensable  appendage,  toward  the  town 
where  his  son  resided. 

Both  saluted  and  embraced  each  other  cordially 
after  so  long  a  separation.  They  had  much  to  com- 
municate, yet  they  did  not  just  commence  with  what 
lay  nearest  their  hearts.  The  sou  went  into  copious 
talk  about  his  hopes  of  speedy  advancement :  in  return 
for  which  the  father  gave  him  precise  accounts  of 
what  had  been  discussed  and  determined  between  the 
elder  members  of  the  family,  both  in  regard  to  fortune 
in  general,  to  the  individual  estates,  and  everything 
pertaining  to  them. 

The  conversation  was,  in  some  degree,  beginning  to 
flag,  when  the  son  took  heart,  and  said  to  his  father, 
with  a  smile,  "You  treat  me  very  tenderly,  dear 
father ;  and  I  thank  you  for  it.  You  tell  me  of  prop- 
erties and  fortime,  and  mention  not  the  terms  under 
which,  at  least  in  part,  they  are  to  be  mine  :  you  keep 
back  the  name  of  Hilaria ;  you  expect  that  I  should 


114  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

bring  it  forth,  that  I  should  express  my  desu'e  to  be 
speedily  united  with  that  amiable  maiden." 

At  these  words  the  major  felt  in  great  perplexity ; 
but  as,  partly  by  nature,  partly  by  old  habit,  it  was 
his  way  to  collect  the  purpose  of  the  man  he  had  to 
treat  with  before  stating  his  own,  he  now  said  nothing, 
and  looked  at  the  son  with  an  ambiguous  smile. 
"  You  will  not  guess,  father,  what  I  have  to  say," 
continued  the  heutenant :  "  I  will  speak  it  out  briefly, 
and  once  for  all.  I  can  depend  on  your  affection, 
which,  amid  such  manifold  care  for  me,  has  had  due 
regard  for  my  true  happiness  as  well  as  my  fortune. 
Some  time  or  other  it  must  be  said :  be  it  said,  then, 
even  now,  Hilaria  cannot  make  me  happy  !  I  think 
of  Hilaria  as  of  a  lovely  relative,  toward  whom  I  would 
hve  all  my  days  with  the  friendhest  feelings  ;  but 
another  has  awakened  my  affection,  another  has  found 
my  heart.  The  attachment  is  irresistible  :  you  will  not 
make  me  miserable." 

Not  without  effort  did  the  major  conceal  the 
cheerfulness  which  was  rising  over  his  face,  and,  in 
a  tone  of  mild  seriousness,  inquire  of  the  son.  Who  the 
person  was  that  had  so  entirely  subdued  him  ?  "  You 
must  see  her  yourself,  father,"  said  the  other ;  "  for  she 
can  as  httle  be  described  as  comprehended.  I  have 
but  one  fear,  —  that  you  yourself  will  be  led  away  by 
her,  like  every  one  that  approaches  her.  By  Heaven, 
it  will  be  so  ;  and  I  shall  see  you  the  rival  of  your 
son!" 

"  But  who  is  she  ?  "  inquired  the  major.  "  If  it  is 
not  in  thy  power  to  dehneate  her  personal  characteris- 
tics, tell  me,  at  least,  of  her  outward  circumstances: 
these,  at  least,  may  be  described." 

"  Well,  then,  father,"  rephed  the  son ;  "  and  yet 
these  outward  circumstances,  too,  would  be  different 
in  a  different  person,  would  act  otherwise  on  another. 
She  is  a  young  widow,  heiress  of  an  old,  rich  man 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  115 

lately  deceased ;  independent,  and  well  meriting  to  be 
so;  acquainted  with  many,  loved  by  just  as  many, 
courted  by  just  as  many ;  yet,  if  I  mistake  not  very 
greatly,  in  her  heart  wholly  mine." 

With  joyful  vivacity,  as  the  father  kept  silence,  and 
gave  no  sign  of  disapproval,  the  son  proceeded  to  de- 
scribe the  conduct  of  the  fair  widow  toward  him ;  told 
of  her  all-conquering  gi-ace ;  recounted  one  by  one  her 
tender  expressions  of  favour ;  in  which  the  father 
truly  could  see  nothing  but  the  light  friendHness  of  a 
universally  courted  woman,  who,  among  so  many,  may 
indeed  prefer  some  one,  yet  without  on  that  account 
entirely  deciding  for  him.  Under  any  other  circum- 
stances he  would  doubtless  have  endeavoured  to  warn 
a  son,  nay,  even  a  friend,  of  the  self-deception  which 
might  probably  enough  be  at  work  here ;  but,  in  the 
present  case,  he  himself  was  so  anxious  for  his  son's 
being  right,  for  the  fair  widow's  really  loving  him,  and 
as  soon  as  possible  deciding  in  his  favour,  that  he 
either  felt  no  scruple  of  this  sort,  or  banished  any  such 
from  his  mind,  perhaps  even  only  concealed  it. 

"  Thou  placest  me  in  great  perplexity,"  began  the 
father,  after  some  pause.  "  The  whole  arrangement 
between  the  surviving  members  of  our  family  depends 
on  the  understanding  that  thou  wed  Hilaria.  If  she 
wed  a  stranger,  the  whole  fair,  careful  combination  of 
a  fine  fortune  falls  to  the  ground  again ;  and  thou  thy- 
self art  not  too  well  provided  for.  There  is  certainly 
another  way  still,  but  one  which  sounds  rather  strange, 
and  by  which  thou  wouldst  gain  very  little  :  I,  in  my 
old  days,  might  wed  Hilaria,  —  a  plan  which  could 
hardly  give  thee  any  very  high  satisfaction." 

"  The  highest  in  the  world  ! "  exclaimed  the  lieu- 
tenant ;  "  for  who  can  feel  a  true  attachment,  who  can 
enjoy  or  anticipate  the  happiness  of  love,  without  wish- 
ing every  friend,  every  one  whom  he  values,  the  hke 
supreme  felicity  ?     You  are  not  old,  father ;  and  how 


ii6  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

lovely  is  Hilaria  !  Eveu  the  transient  thought  of  offer- 
ing her  your  hand  bespeaks  a  youthful  heart,  an  unim- 
paired spirit.  Let  us  take  up  this  thought,  tliis  project, 
on  the  spot,  and  consider  and  investigate  it  thoroughly. 
My  own  happiness  would  be  complete  if  I  knew  you 
happy :  I  could  then  rejoice  in  good  earnest,  that  the 
care  you  had  bestowed  on  my  destiny  was  repaid  on 
your  own  by  so  fair  and  high  a  recompense.  I  can 
now  with  confidence  and  frankness,  and  true  openness 
of  heart,  conduct  you  to  my  fair  one.  You  will  ap- 
prove of  my  feelings,  since  you  yourself  feel :  you  will 
not  impede  the  happiness  of  your  son,  since  you  are 
advancing  to  your  own  happiness." 

With  these  and  other  importunate  words  the  lieuten- 
ant repressed  many  a  scruple  which  his  father  was  for 
introducing,  left  him  no  time  to  calculate,  but  hurried 
off  with  him  to  the  fair  widow,  whom  they  found  in  a 
commodious  and  splendid  house,  with  a  select  rather 
than  numerous  party,  all  engaged  in  cheerful  conversa- 
tion. She  was  one  of  those  female  souls  whom  no 
man  can  escape.  With  incredible  address  she  con- 
trived to  make  our  major  the  hero  of  this  evening. 
The  rest  of  the  party  seemed  to  be  her  family:  the 
major  alone  was  her  guest.  His  circumstances  she 
already  knew  very  well ;  yet  she  had  the  skill  to  ask 
about  them,  as  if  she  were  wishing,  now  at  last,  to  get 
right  information  on  the  subject  from  himself :  and  so, 
likewise,  every  individual  of  the  company  was  made  to 
show  some  interest  in  the  stranger.  One  must  have 
known  his  brother,  a  second  his  estates,  a  third  some- 
thing else  concerned  with  him  ;  so  that  the  major,  in  the 
midst  of  a  lively  conversation,  still  felt  himself  to  be 
the  centre.  Moreover,  he  was  sitting  next  the  fair  one ; 
her  eyes  were  on  him,  her  smile  was  directed  to  him : 
in  a  word,  he  felt  himself  so  comfortable,  that  he 
almost  forgot  the  cause  which  had  brought  him.  She 
herself  scarcely   ever   mentioned  his  son,  though  the 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  117 

yoiiug  man  took  a  keeu  share  in  the  conversation : 
it  seemed  as  if,  in  her  eyes,  he,  hke  all  the  rest, 
was  present  only  on  his  father's  account. 

The  guests  strolled  up  and  down  the  rooms,  and 
gi"OUp(;d  themselves  into  accidental  knots.  The  lieu- 
tenant stepped  up  to  his  fair  one,  and  asked,  "  What 
say  you  to  my  father  ?  " 

With  a  smile  she  rephed,  "  Methinks  you  might  well 
take  him  as  a  pattern.  Do  but  look  how  neatly  he 
is  dressed !  If  his  manner  and  bearing  are  not  better 
than  his  gentle  son's!"  And  thus  she  continued 
to  cry  up  and  praise  the  father  at  the  son's  expense ; 
awakening,  by  this  means,  a  very  mixed  feeling  of 
contentment  and  jealousy  in  the  young  man's 
heart. 

Erelong  the  heutenant  came  in  contact  with  his 
father,  and  recounted  aU  this  to  him.  It  made  the 
major's  manner  to  his  fair  hostess  so  much  the  more 
friendly ;  and  she,  on  her  side,  began  to  treat  him  on 
a  more  lively  and  trustful  footing.  In  short,  we  may 
say,  that,  when  the  company  broke  up,  the  major, 
as  well  as  the  rest,  already  belonged  to  her  and  to  her 
circle. 

A  heavy  rain  prevented  the  guests  from  returning 
home  as  they  had  come.  Some  coaches  drove  up, 
into  wliich  the  walkers  arranged  themselves :  only  the 
heutenant,  under  the  pretext  that  the  carriage  was 
already  too  crowded,  let  his  father  drive  away,  and 
stayed  behind. 

The  major,  on  entering  his  apartment,  felt  actually 
confused  and  giddy  in  mind,  uncertain  of  himself ;  as 
is  the  case  with  us  on  passing  rapidly  from  one  state  to 
the  opposite.  The  land  still  seems  in  motion  to  a  man 
who  steps  from  shipboard,  and  the  hght  still  quivers  in 
the  eve  of  him  who  comes  at  once  into  darkness.  So 
cUd  the  major  still  feel  himself  encircled  with  the  pres- 
ence of  that  fair  being.     He  wished  still  to  see,  to  hear 


ii8  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

her,  again  to  see,  again  to  hear  her ;  and,  after  some 
consideration,  he  forgave  his  son ;  nay,  he  thought  him 
happy  that  he  might  pretend  to  the  appropriation  of 
such  loveHness. 

From  these  feehngs  he  was  roused  by  the  lieutenant, 
who,  with  Hvely  expressions  of  rapture,  rushed  into  the 
room,  embraced  his  father,  and  exclaimed,  "  I  am 
the  happiest  man  in  the  world  ! "  After  several  more 
of  such  preliminary  phrases,  the  two  at  last  came  to 
an  explanation.  The  father  remarked,  that  the  fair 
lady  in  conversing  with  him  had  not  mentioned  the 
son,  or  hinted  at  him  by  a  single  syllable.  "  That  is 
just  her  soft,  silent,  half-concealing,  half-discovering 
way,  by  which  you  become  certain  of  your  wishes,  and 
yet  can  never  altogether  get  rid  of  doubt.  So  was  she 
wont  to  treat  me  hitherto ;  but  your  presence,  father, 
has  done  wonders.  I  confess  it,  I  stayed  behind,  that  I 
might  see  her  one  moment  longer.  I  found  her  walk- 
ing to  and  fro  in  her  still  shining  rooms ;  for  I  know 
it  is  her  custom,  when  the  company  is  gone,  no  light 
must  be  extinguished.  She  walks  alone  up  and  down 
in  her  magic  halls,  when  the  spirits  are  dismissed 
which  she  had  summoned  thither.  She  accepted  the 
pretext  under  cover  of  which  I  came  back.  She  spoke 
with  kind  grace,  though  of  indifferent  matters.  We 
walked  to  and  fro  through  the  open  doors,  along  the 
whole  suite  of  chambers.  We  had  wandered  several 
times  to  the  end,  into  the  httle  cabinet,  which  is  lighted 
only  by  a  dim  lamp.  If  she  was  beautiful  wliile  mov- 
ing under  the  blaze  of  the  lustres,  she  was  infinitely 
more  so  when  illuminated  by  the  soft  gleam  of  the 
lamp.  We  had  again  reached  the  cabinet ;  and,  in 
turning,  we  paused  for  an  instant.  I  know  not  what 
it  was  that  forced  this  audacity  on  me:  I  know  not 
how  I  could  venture,  in  the  midst  of  the  most  ordinary 
conversation,  all  at  once  to  seize  her  hand,  to  kiss  that 
soft  hand,  and  to  press  it  to  my  heart.     It  was  not 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  1 19 

drafra  away.  '  Heavenly  creature  ! '  cried  I,  '  conceal 
thyself  no  longer  from  me.  If  in  this  fair  heart  dwells 
favour  for  the  happy  man  who  stands  before  thee,  dis- 
close it,  confess  it !  The  present  is  the  best,  the  highest 
time.     Banish  me,  or  take  nie  to  tliy  arms  ! ' 

"  I  know  not  what  all  I  said,  what  I  looked  and 
expressed.  She  withdrew  not,  she  resisted  not,  she 
answered  not.  I  ventured  to  clasp  her  in  my  arms, 
to  ask  her  if  she  would  be  mme.  I  kissed  her  with 
rapture  ;  she  pushed  me  away  :  '  Well,  yes,  then  :  yes  ! ' 
or  some  such  words,  said  she,  in  a  faint  tone,  as  if 
embarrassed.  I  retired,  and  cried,  'I  will  send  my 
father :  he  shall  speak  for  me.'  '  Not  a  word  to  him 
of  this ! '  replied  she,  following  me  some  steps.  '  Go 
away  :  forget  what  has  happened.' " 

Wliat  the  major  thought  we  shall  not  attempt  to 
unfold.  He  said,  however,  to  his  son,  "  What  is  to  be 
done  now,  thkikest  thou  ?  To  my  mind  the  affair  is, 
by  accident,  so  w^ell  introduced,  that  we  may  now  go 
to  work  a  little  more  formally ;  that  perhaps  it  were 
well  if  I  called  there  to-mc^rrow,  and  proposed  in  thy 
name." 

"  For  Heaven's  sake,  no,  father  ! "  cried  the  son  :  "  it 
would  spoil  the  whole  business.  That  look,  that  tone, 
must  be  disturbed  and  deranged  by  no  formality.  It  is 
enough,  father,  that  your  presence  accelerates  this  union 
without  your  uttering  a  word  on  the  subject.  Yes,  it 
is  to  you  that  I  owe  my  happiness !  The  respect  which 
my  loved  one  entertains  for  you  has  conquered  every 
scruple,  and  never  would  your  son  have  found  so  good 
a  moment  had  not  his  fatlier  prepared  it  for  him." 

These  and  such  disclosures  occupied  them  till  far  in 
the  night.  They  mutually  settled  their  plans:  the 
major,  simply  for  form's  sake,  was  to  make  a  parting 
caU,  and  then  set  out  to  arrange  Ms  marriage  with 
HUana ;  the  son  was  to  forward  and  accelerate  his,  as 
he  should  find  it  possible. 


12  o  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 


Hersilia's  Postscript. 

Here  I  break  off,  partly  because  I  can  write  no  more 
at  present,  but  partly  also  to  fix  a  thorn  in  your  heart. 
Now,  answer  the  question  for  yourself :  How  strangely, 
from  all  that  you  have  read,  must  matters  stand  with 
these  ladies  at  present !  Till  now  they  had  no  mutual 
relation  to  each  other:  they  were  strangers,  though 
each  seemed  to  have  the  prospect  of  a  marriage  which 
was  to  approximate  them.  And  now  we  find  them  in 
company,  but  by  themselves,  Mdthout  male  attendance, 
and  wandering  over  the  world.  What  can  have  passed, 
what  can  be  to  follow  ?  You,  my  worthy  sir,  will 
doubtless  get  quit  of  the  difficulty  by  mournfully 
claiming  to  yourself,  "  These,  also,  are  renunciants ! " 
And  here  you  are  perfectly  right :  but  expectants  too  ? 
This  I  durst  not  discover,  even  if  I  knew  it. 

To  show  you  the  way  how  this  amiable  pair  may  be 
met  with  on  your  wandering,  I  adopt  a  singular  expe- 
dient. You  herewith  receive  a  httle  clipping  of  a  map : 
when  you  lay  this  in  its  place  on  the  full  map  of  the 
country,  the  magnetic  needle  painted  here  will  point 
with  its  barb  to  the  spot  whither  the  desirable  are 
moving.  This  riddle  is  not  so  very  hard  to  read :  but 
I  could  wish,  that,  from  time  to  time,  you  would  do  the 
like  for  us,  and  send  a  little  snip  of  chart  over  hither ; 
we  should  then,  in  some  measure,  understand  to  what 
quarter  our  thoughts  were  to  be  directed :  and  how 
glad  should  we  be  if  the  needle  were  at  last  attracted 
by  ourselves.  May  all  good  be  given  you,  and  aU 
errors  forgiven  ! 

It  is  said  of  women,  that  they  cannot  send  away  a 
letter  without  tacking  postscripts  to  the  end  of  it. 
Whatever  inferences^  you  may  draw  from  the  fact,  I 
cannot  deny  that  this  is  my  second  postscript,  and  the 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  I2l 

place,  after  all,  where  I  am  to  tell  you  the  flower  of 
the  whole  matter.  This  arrow-shaft,  on  the  little  patch 
of  map,  Ililaria  herself  was  at  the  pains  to  draw  and  to 
decorate  with  such  dainty  pluma^^e :  the  sharp  point, 
however,  was  the  fair  widow's  work.  Have  a  care  that 
it  do  not  scratch,  or  perhaps  pierce  you.  Our  bargain 
is,  that  wlienever  you  meet,  be  this  wliere  it  may,  you 
are  forthwith  to  present  the  small  shred  of  paper,  and 
so  be  the  sooner  and  more  heartily  admitted  into  trust. 


A  WORD   FROM   THE   EDITOR. 

That  a  certain  deficiency,  perhaps  discernible  in  the 
parts,  certainly  discernible  here  and  there  in  the  whole, 
cannot,  henceforth,  be  avoided,  we  ourselves  take  cour- 
age to  forewarn  the  reader,  without  fearing  thereby  to 
thwart  liis  enjoyment.  In  the  present  task,  undertaken 
truly  with  forethought  and  good  heart,  we  still  meet 
with  all  the  inconveniences  which  have  delayed  the 
publication  of  these  httle  volumes  for  twenty  years. 
This  period  has  altered  nothing  for  the  better.  We 
still  find  ourselves  in  more  than  one  way  impeded,  at 
this  or  that  place  threatened  with  one  obstruction  or 
another.  For  we  have  to  solve  the  uncertain  problem 
of  selecting  from  those  most  multifarious  papers  what 
is  worthiest  and  most  important,  so  that  it  be  gi-ateful 
to  thinking  and  cultivated  minds,  and  refresh  and  for- 
ward them  in  many  a  province  of  life.  Now,  here  are 
the  journals,  more  or  less  complete,  lying  before  us ; 
sometimes  communicable  without  scruple;  sometimes, 
again  by  reason  of  their  unimportant,  and  Hkewise  of 
their  too  important  contents,  seemingly  imfit  for 
insertion. 

There  are  not  even  wantinf;  sections  devoted  to  the 
actual  world,  on  statistic,  technical,  and  other  practical 
external  subjects.     To  cut  these  off  as  incongruous, 


122  MEISTER'S   TRAVELS 

we  do  not  determine  without  reluctance ;  as  life  and 
inclination,  knowledge  and  passion,  strangely  combin- 
ing together,  go  on  here  in  the  strangest  union. 

Then  we  come  on  sketches  written  with  clear  views 
and  for  glorious  objects,  but  not  so  consequent  and 
deep-searching  that  we  can  fully  approve  of  them,  or 
suppose,  that,  in  this  new  and  so  far  advanced  time, 
they  could  be  readable  and  influential. 

So  likewise  we  fall  in  with  little  anecdotes,  destitute 
of  connection,  difficult  to  arrange  under  heads,  some  of 
them,  when  closely  examined,  not  altogether  unobjec- 
tionable. Here  and  there  we  discover  more  complete 
narratives,  several  of  which,  though  already  known 
to  the  world,  nevertheless  demand  a  place  here,  and  at 
the  same  time  require  exposition  and  conclusion.  Of 
poems,  also,  there  is  no  want ;  and  yet  it  is  not  always 
easy,  not  always  possible,  to  decide  where  they  should 
be  introduced  with  best  regard  to  the  preserving  and 
assisting  of  their  true  tone,  which  is  but  too  easily  dis- 
turbed and  overturned.  If  we  are  not,  therefore,  as  we 
have  too  often  done  in  bygone  years,  again  to  stop  in 
the  middle  of  this  business,  nothing  will  remain  for  us 
but  to  impart  what  we  possess,  to  give  out  what  has 
been  preserved.  Some  chapters,  accordingly,  the  com- 
pletion of  which  might  have  been  desirable,  we  now 
offer  in  their  first  hurried  form,  that  so  the  reader  may 
not  only  feel  the  existence  of  a  want  here,  but  also  be 
informed  what  this  want  is,  and  complete  in  his  own 
mind  whatever,  partly  from  the  nature  of  the  object, 
partly  from  the  intervening  circumstances,  cannot  be 
presented  to  him  perfectly  completed  in  itself,  or 
furnished  with  all  its  requisite  accompaniments. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  proposed  riddle  raised  some  scruples  in  Wil- 
helm's  mind ;  yet  erelong  he  began  to  feel  a  still 
attraction  in  the  matter,  an  impulse  of  longing  to 
reach  that  appointed  line,  and  follow  its  direction :  as, 
indeed,  we  are  wont  to  seize  with  eagerness  any  spe- 
cific object  that  excites  our  imagination,  our  active 
faculties,  and  to  wish  that  we  might  accomplish  it  and 
partake  of  it. 

A  child  that,  in  asking  alms  of  us,  puts  into  our 
hand  a  card  with  five  lottery  numbers  written  on  it, 
we  do  not  lightly  turn  away  unserved ;  and  it  depends 
on  the  moment,  especially  if  it  be  shortly  before  the 
drawing,  whether  we  shall  not,  with  accidentally  stimu- 
lated hope,  quite  against  our  usual  custom,  stake  heavy 
shares  upon  these  very  numbers. 

The  wanderer  now  tried  on  a  large  map  the  little 
fragment  which  had  been  sent  him,  and  stood  surprised, 
amazed,  affrighted,  as  he  saw  the  needle  pointed  straight 
to  Mignon's  native  place,  to  the  houses  where  she  had 
Uved.  What  his  peculiar  feeUngs  were,  we  do  not  find 
declared  ;  but  whoever  can  bring  back  to  memory  the 
end  of  the  "  Apprenticesliip,"  will  in  his  own  heart  and 
mind,  without  difficulty,  call  forth  the  like. 

The  chief  cause,  however,  why  we  meet  with  scantier 
records  of  this  excursion  than  wc  could  have  wished, 
may  probably  be  this  :  that  Wilhelm  chanced  to  fall  in 
with  a  young,  lively  companion  of  his  journey,  by 
means  of  whom  it  became  easy  to  retain  for  himself 

123 


124  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

and  his  friends  a  vivid  and  strong  remembrance  of 
this  pious  pilgrimage  without  any  aid  of  writing.  Un- 
expectedly he  finds  himself  beside  a  painter,  —  one  of 
that  class  of  persons  whom  we  often  see  wandering 
about  the  world,  and  still  oftener  figuring  in  romances 
and  dramas,  but,  in  this  case,  an  individual  who  showed 
himseK  at  once  to  be  really  a  distinguished  artist. 
The  two  very  soon  got  acquainted,  mutually  communi- 
cated their  desires,  projects,  purposes.  And  now  it 
appears  that  this  skilful  artist,  who  delights  in  paint- 
ing aquatical  landscapes,  and  can  decorate  his  pieces 
with  rich,  well-imagined,  well-executed  additions  and 
accompaniments,  has  been  passionately  attracted  by 
Mignon's  form,  destiny,  and  being.  He  has  often 
painted  her  already,  and  is  now  going  forth  to  copy 
from  nature  the  scenes  where  she  passed  her  early 
years ;  amid  these  to  represent  the  dear  child  in  happy 
and  unhappy  circumstances  and  moments,  and  thus  to 
make  her  image,  which  lives  in  all  tender  hearts, 
present  also  to  the  sense  of  the  eye. 

The  friends  soon  reach  the  Lago  Maggiore:  Wil- 
helm  endeavours  by  degrees  to  find  out  the  places 
indicated.  Eural  palaces,  spacious  monasteries,  ferries 
and  bays,  capes  and  landings,  are  visited ;  nor  are  the 
dwellings  of  courageous  and  kind-hearted  fishermen 
forgotten,  or  the  cheerfully  built  villages  along  the 
shore,  or  the  gay  mansions  on  the  neighbouring  heights. 
All  this  the  artist  can  seize,  to  aU  of  it  communicate, 
by  light  and  colouring,  the  feeling  suitable  for  each 
scene ;  so  that  Wilhelm  passes  his  days  and  his  hours 
in  heart-searching  emotion. 

In  several  of  the  leaves  stood  Mignon  represented 
on  the  foreground,  as  she  had  looked  and  lived :  Wil- 
helm striving  by  correct  description  to  assist  the  happy 
imagination  of  his  friend,  and  reduce  these  general  con- 
ceptions within  the  stricter  limits  of  individuality. 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  125 

And  thus  you  might  see  the  boy-girl  set  forth  in 
various  attitudes  and  manifold  expression.  Beneath 
the  lofty  portal  of  the  splendid  country-house  she  is 
standing,  thoughtfully  contemplating  the  marble 
statues  in  the  haD.  Here  she  rocks  herself,  plashing 
to  and  fro  among  the  waters,  in  the  fastened  Ijoat: 
there  she  climbs  the  mast,  and  shows  herself  as  a 
fearless  sailor. 

But  distinguished  beyond  all  the  other  pictures  was 
one  which  the  artist,  on  his  journey  hither,  and  prior  to 
his  meeting  with  Wilhelm,  had  combined  and  painted 
with  all  its  characteristic  features.     In  the  heart  of  the 
rude  mountains  shines  the  graceful   seeming-boy,  en- 
circled with  toppling  cliffs,  besprayed  with  cataracts,  in 
the  middle  of  a  motley  horde.     Never,  perhaps,  was  a 
grim,  precipitous,  primeval  mountain-pass  more  beauti- 
fully or  expressively  relieved  with  living  figures.     The 
party-coloured,  gypsy-looking  group,  at  once  rude  and 
fantastic,  strange  and  common,  too  loose  to  cause  fear, 
too  singular  to  awaken   confidence.     Stout  beasts    of 
burden   are   bearing  along,  now   over  paths  made   of 
trees,  now  down  l)y  steps  hewn  in  the  rock,  a  tawdry 
chaotic  heap  of  luggage,  round  w^hich  all  the  instru- 
ments of  a  deafening  music  hang  dangling  to  and  fro, 
to  affright  the  ear  from  time  to  time  with  rude  tones. 
Amid  all  this  the  lovely  child,  self-collected  without 
defiance,   indignant    without    resistance,   led,    but   not 
dragged.     Who  would  not  have  looked  with  pleasure 
at  this   singular   and    impressive    picture  ?     Given    in 
strong  characters,  frowned    the    stern    obstruction    of 
these  rock-masses,  riven   asunder  by  gloomy  chasms, 
towered  up  together,  threatening  to  hinder  all  outgate, 
had  not  a  bold  bridge  betokened  the  possibility  of  again 
coming  into  union  with  the  rest  of  the  world.     Nor 
had  the  artist,  with  his  quick  feeling  of  fictitious  truth, 
forgot  to  indicate  the  entrance  of  a  cave,  which  you 
might  equally  regard  as  the  natural  laboratory  of  huge 


126  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

crystals,  or  as  the  abode  of  a  fabulously  frightful  brood 
of  dragons. 

Not  without  a  holy  fear  did  our  friends  visit  the 
marchese's  palace.  The  old  man  was  still  absent  on 
his  travels ;  but,  in  this  circle  also,  the  two  wanderers, 
knowing  well  how  to  apply  and  conduct  themselves, 
both  toward  spiritual  and  temporal  authorities,  were 
kindly  received  and  entertained. 

The  absence  of  the  owner  also  was  to  Wilhelm  very 
pleasant ;  for  although  he  could  have  wished  to  see  the 
worthy  gentleman,  and  would  have  heartily  saluted 
him,  he  felt  afraid  of  the  marchese's  thankful  gen- 
erosity, and  of  any  forced  recompense  of  that  true, 
loving  conduct  for  which  he  had  already  obtained  the 
fairest  reward. 

And  thus  our  friends  went  floating  in  gay  boats 
from  shore  to  shore,  cruising  the  lake  in  every  direc- 
tion. It  was  the  fairest  season  of  the  year :  and  they 
missed  neither  sunrise  nor  sunset,  nor  any  of  the  thou- 
sand shadings  which  the  heavenly  light  first  bounte- 
ously dispenses  over  its  own  firmament,  and  from 
thence  over  lake  and  land ;  not  appearing  itself  in  its 
perfect  glory  till  imaged  back  from  the  waters. 

A  luxuriant  vegetable  world,  planted  by  Nature, 
watched  over  and  forwarded  by  Art,  on  every  side  sur- 
rounded them.  The  first  chestnut  forests  they  had 
already  greeted  with  welcome ;  and  now  they  could 
not  restrain  a  mournful  smile,  as,  lying  under  the  shade 
of  cypresses,  they  saw  the  laurel  mounting  up,  the 
pomegranates  reddening,  orange  and  citron  trees  un- 
folding themselves  in  blossoms,  and  fruit  at  the  same 
time  glowing  forth  from  the  dark  foliage. 

Through  means  of  liis  vivid  associate,  Wilhelm  had 
another  enjoyment  prepared  for  him.  Our  old  friend 
had  not  been  favoured  by  Nature  with  the  eye  of  a 
painter.  Susceptible  of  visual  beauty  only  in  the 
human  form,  he  now  felt,  that  by  the  presence  of  a 


n^'.  'A2iJl"luL'»MI-WJ 


our  1  visit  t^ 


rt  of  that   tnit, 
obtaiaed  the 


V.  i-%.-**  < 


and  trees  un- 

the  saio'i 

'..  \v-^h<^ 


l^ig^w,^  an-^  the  H^^er  „  .. 

.ic  from  ili<-  I  'V  C.  V.  •  lusen 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  127 

companion,  alike  disposed,  but  trained  to  quite  different 
enjoyments  and  activities,  the  surrounding  world  also 
was  opened  to  his  sight. 

By  viewing,  under  conversational  direction,  the 
changing  glories  of  the  region,  and  stdl  more  by  con- 
centrated imitation,  his  eyes  were  opened,  and  his  mind 
freed  from  all  its  once  obstinate  doubts.  Hitherto  all 
copies  of  Italian  scenery  had  seemed  to  him  suspicious : 
the  sky,  he  thought,  was  too  blue ;  the  violet  tone  of 
those  charming  distances  was  lovely,  but  imtrue ;  and 
the  abundant,  fresh  gieen  too  bright  and  gay ;  but  now 
he  united  in  his  inmost  perceptions  with  his  new  friend, 
and  learned,  susceptible  as  he  was,  to  look  at  the  earth 
with  that  friend's  eyes  :  and,  while  Nature  unfolded  the 
open  secret  of  her  beauty,  he  could  not  but  feel  an 
irresistible  attraction  toward  Art  as  toward  her  most 
fit  expositor. 

But  his  pictorial  friend  quite  unexpectedly  antici- 
pated his  wishes  in  another  point.  The  artist  had 
already  many  times  started  some  gay  song,  and  thus,  in 
hours  of  rest,  dehghtfully  enlivened  and  accompanied 
their  movement  when  out  in  long  voyages  over  the 
water.  But  now  it  happened,  that,  in  one  of  the 
palaces  they  were  visiting,  he  found  a  curious,  peculiar 
stringed  instrument,  —  a  lute  of  small  size,  strong,  well 
toned,  convenient,  and  portable :  he  soon  contrived  to 
tune  it,  and  then  handled  the  strings  so  pleasantly, 
and  so  well  entertained  those  about  him,  that,  like  a 
new  Orpheus,  he  subdued  by  soft  harmonies  the  usually 
rigorous  and  dry  castellan,  and  kindly  constrained  liim 
to  lend  the  instrument  for  a  time,  under  the  condition, 
that,  before  departing,  the  singer  should  faithfully  re- 
turn it,  and,  in  the  interim,  should  come  back  some 
Sunday  or  liohday,  and  again  gratify  them  by  his 
music. 

Quite  another  spirit  now  enlivened  lake  and  shore : 
boat  and   skiff    strove  which   should   be    nearest    our 


128  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

friends;  even  freight   and   market  barges   lingered   in' 
their  neighbourhood ;  rows  of  people  on  the  beach  fol- 
lowed their  course ;  when  landing  they  were  encircled 
by  a  gay-minded  throng ;  when  departing  each  blessed 
them  with  a  heart  contented,  yet  full  of  longing. 

And  now,  at  last,  to  any  thii'd  party  who  had 
watched  our  friends,  it  must  have  been  apparent  enough 
that  theii"  mission  was,  in  fact,  accomphshed :  all 
scenes  and  localities  referring  to  Mignon  had  been,  not 
only  sketched,  but  partly  brought  into  light,  shade,  and 
colour,  partly  in  warm,  midday  hours,  finished  with 
the  utmost  fidelity.  In  effecting  this  they  had  shifted 
from  place  to  place  in  a  peculiar  way,  as  Wilhelm's 
vow  frequently  impeded  them  :  tliis,  however,  they  had 
now  and  then  contrived  to  evade  by  explaining  it  as 
vahd  only  on  land,  and  on  water  not  apphcable. 

Indeed,  Wilhelm  himself  now  felt  that  their  special 
purpose  was  attained  ;  yet  he  could  not  deny  that  the 
wish  to  see  Hilaria  and  the  fair  widow  must  also  be 
satisfied  if  he  wished  to  leave  this  country  with  a  free 
mind.  His  friend,  to  whom  he  had  imparted  their 
story,  was  no  less  curious,  and  already  prided  himself 
in  the  thought,  that,  in  one  of  his  paintings,  there  was 
a  vacant  space,  which,  as  an  artist,  he  might  decorate 
with  the  forms  of  these  gentle  persons. 

Accordingly,  they  now  cruised  to  and  fro,  watching 
the  points  where  strangers  are  wont  first  to  enter  this 
paradise.  Their  hope  of  meeting  friends  here  had 
already  been  made  known  to  the  boatmen ;  and  the 
search  had  not  lasted  long  when  there  came  in  sight 
a  splendid  barge,  which  they  instantly  made  chase  of, 
and  forbore  not  passionately  to  grapple  with  on  reach- 
ing it.  The  dames,  in  some  degree  alarmed  at  this 
movement,  soon  recovered  their  composure  as  Wilhelm 
produced  his  little  piece  of  chart ;  and  the  two,  with- 
out hesitation,  recognised  the  arrow  which  themselves 
had  drawn  on  it.     The  friends  were  then    kindly  in- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  129 

vited  to  come  on  board  the  ladies'  harge,  which  they 
did  without  an  instant's  delay. 

And  now  let  us  figure  to  ourselves  these  four,  as 
they  sit  together  in  the  daintiest  apartment,  the  most 
blissful  world  lying  round  them,  looking  in  each  other's 
faces,  fanned  by  soft  airs,  rocked  on  ghttering  waves. 
Imagine  the  female  pair,  as  we  lately  saw  them  de- 
scribed ;  the  male,  as  they  have  together  for  weeks 
been  leading  a  wayfaring  life ;  and  after  a  little  reflec- 
tion we  behold  them  all  in  the  most  dehghtful,  but 
also  the  most  dangerous  situation. 

For  the  three  who  have  before,  willingly  or  unwill- 
ingly, ranked  themselves  in  the  number  of  reimnciants, 
we  have  not  the  worst  to  fear:  the  fourth,  however, 
may,  probably  enough,  too  soon  see  himseK  admitted 
into  that  order,  like  the  others. 

After  crossing  the  lake  several  times,  and  pointing 
out  the  most  interesting  spots,  both  on  the  shore  and 
the  islands,  our  two  wanderers  conducted  their  fair 
friends  to  the  place  they  were  to  pass  the  night  in ; 
where  a  dexterous  guide,  selected  for  this  voyage,  had 
taken  care  to  provide  all  possible  conveniences.  WO- 
helm's  vow  was  now  a  harsh  but  suitable  master  of 
the  ceremonies ;  for  he  and  his  companion  had  already 
passed  three  days  in  this  very  station,  and  exhausted 
all  that  was  remarkable  in  the  environs.  The  artist, 
not  restrained  by  any  vow,  begged  permission  to  attend 
the  dames  on  shore :  this,  however,  they  declined,  and 
so  the  party  separated  at  some  distance  from  the 
harbour. 

Scarcely  had  the  singer  stepped  into  his  skiff,  which 
hastily  drew  back  from  the  beach,  when  he  seized  his 
lute,  and  gracefully  began  raising  that  strangely  plain- 
tive song  which  the  Venetian  gondoliers  send  forth  in 
clear  melody  from  land  to  sea,  and  from  sea  to  land. 
Expert  enough  in  this  feat,  which  in  the  present  in- 
stance proceeded  with  peculiar  tenderness  and  expres- 


130  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

sion,  he  strengthened  his  voice  in  proportion  to  the 
increasing  distance ;  so  that  on  the  shore  you  would 
have  thought  you  heard  him  still  singing  in  the  same 
place.  He  at  last  laid  his  lute  aside,  trusting  to  his 
voice  alone,  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  observe  that 
the  dames,  instead  of  retu'ing  into  their  house,  were 
pleased  to  linger  on  the  shore.  He  felt  so  inspired 
that  he  could  not  cease,  not  even  when  night  and 
remoteness  had  withdrawn  everything  from  view ;  till 
at  last  his  calmer  friend  reminded  him,  that,  if  dark- 
ness did  favour  his  tones,  the  skiff  had  already  long 
passed  the  limits  within  which  these  could  take  effect. 

According  to  promise,  the  two  parties  again  met 
next  day  on  the  open  lake.  Flying  along,  they  formed 
acquaintance  with  the  lovely  series  of  prospects,  now 
standing  forth  in  separate  distinction,  then  gathering 
into  rows,  and  seen  behind  each  other,  and  at  last 
fading  away,  as  the  higher  eclipsed  the  lower ;  all 
which,  repeating  itself  in  the  waters,  affords  in  such 
excursions  the  most  varied  entertainment.  Nor,  in  the 
course  of  these  sights,  did  the  copies  of  them,  from  our 
artist's  portfolio,  fail  to  awaken  thoughts  and  anticipa- 
tions of  w^hat,  in  the  present  hour,  was  not  imparted. 
For  all  such  matters  the  still  Hilaria  seemed  to  have  a 
free  and  fair  feeling. 

But,  toward  noon,  singularity  again  came  into  play : 
the  ladies  landed  alone;  the  men  cruised  before  the 
harbour.  And  now  the  singer  endeavoured  to  accom- 
modate his  music  to  a  shorter  distance,  where  not  only 
the  general,  soft,  and  quickly  warbhng  tone  of  desire, 
but  likewise  a  certain  gay,  gi-aceful  importunity  might 
be  expected  to  tell.  And  here  now  and  then  some 
one  or  other  of  the  songs,  for  which  we  stand  indebted 
to  our  friends  in  the  "Apprenticeship,"  would  come 
hovering  over  his  strings,  over  his  Hps ;  but  out  of 
well-meant  regard  to  the  feelings  of  his  hearers,  as 
well  as  to  his  own,  he  restrained  himself  in  this  par- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  131 

ticular,  and  roved  at  large  in  foreign  images  and  emo- 
tions, whereby  his  performance  gained  in  efi'ect,  and 
reached  the  ear  with  so  much  tlie  more  insinuating 
blandishment.  The  two  friends,  blockading  the  har- 
bour in  this  way,  would  not  have  recollected  the  trivial 
concern  of  eating  and  drinking,  had  not  the  more  prov- 
ident fair  ones  sent  them  over  a  supply  of  dainty  bits, 
to  which  an  accompanying  draught  of  wine  had  the 
best  possible  relish. 

Every  separation,  every  stipulation,  that  comes  in 
the  way  of  our  gathering  passions,  sharpens  instead 
of  stifling  them ;  and  in  tliis  case,  as  in  others,  it  may 
be  presumed  that  the  short  absence  had  awakened 
equal  longing  in  both  parties.  At  all  events,  the 
dames  in  their  gay,  dazzling  gondola  were  very  soon 
to  be  seen  coming  back. 

This  word  gondola,  however,  let  us  not  take  up  in 
the  melancholy  Venetian  meaning :  here  it  signifies  a 
cheerful,  commodious,  social  bark ;  which,  had  our 
little  company  been  twice  as  large,  would  still  have 
been  spacious  enough  for  them. 

Some  days  were  spent  in  this  peculiar  way,  between 
meeting  and  parting,  betw^een  separation  and  social 
union ;  but,  amid  the  enjoyment  of  the  most  delight- 
ful intercourse,  departure  and  bereavement  still  hov- 
ered before  the  agitated  soul.  In  presence  of  the  new 
friends  the  old  came  back  into  the  mind :  were  these 
new  ones  absent,  each  could  not  but  admit  that  already 
they  had  taken  deep  root  in  his  remembrance.  None 
but  a  composed  and  tried  spirit,  like  our  fair  widow, 
could  in  such  moments  have  maintained  herself  in 
complete  equilibrium. 

Hilaria's  heart  had  been  too  deeply  wounded  to 
admit  of  any  new  entire  impression :  but  as  the  grace 
of  a  fair  scene  encircles  us  of  itself  with  soothing  influ- 
ences ;  so,  when  the  mildness  of  tender-hearted  friends 
conspires  with  it,  there  comes  over  sense  and  soul  a 


132  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

peculiar  mood  of  softness,  that  recalls  to  us,  as  in 
dreaming  visions,  the  past  and  the  absent,  and  with- 
draws the  present,  as  if  it  were  but  a  show,  into  spir- 
itual remoteness.  Thus,  alternately  rocked  this  way 
and  that,  attracted  and  repelled,  approximated  and 
removed,  they  wavered  and  wended  for  several  days. 

Without  more  narrowly  investigating  tliese  circum- 
stances, the  shrewd,  experienced  guide  imagined  he 
observed  some  alteration  in  the  calm  demeanour  of  his 
heroines ;  and  when  at  last  the  whimsical  part  of  their 
predicament  became  known  to  him,  he  contrived  here 
also  to  devise  the  most  grateful  expedient.  For,  as 
our  two  shipmeu  were  again  conducting  the  ladies  to 
their  usual  place  of  dinner,  they  were  met  by  another 
gay  bark,  which,  falling  alongside  of  theirs,  exhibited  a 
well-covered  table,  with  all  the  cheerful  in-sdtations  of 
a  festive  repast:  the  friends  could  now  wait  in  com- 
pany the  lapse  of  several  hours,  and  only  night  decided 
the  customary  separation. 

Happily  the  artist  and  Wilhelm  had,  in  their  former 
voyagings,  neglected,  out  of  a  certain  natural  caprice, 
to  visit  the  most  highly  ornamented  of  all  the  islands, 
and  had  even  yet  never  thought  of  showing  to  their 
fair  friends  the  many  artiiicial  and  somewhat  dilapi- 
dated curiosities  of  the  place,  before  these  glorious 
scenes  of  creation  were  entirely  gone  through.  At 
last,  however,  new  hght  rose  on  their  minds.  They 
took  counsel  with  the  guide :  he  contrived  forthwith 
to  expedite  their  voyage,  and  all  looked  on  it  as  the 
most  blissful  they  had  yet  undertaken.  They  could 
now  hope  and  expect,  after  so  many  interrupted  joys, 
to  spend  three  whole  heavenly  days  assembled  together 
in  a  sequestered  abode. 

And  here  we  cannot  but  bestow  on  this  guide  our 
high  commendation :  he  belonged  to  that  nimble, 
active,  dexterous  class,  who,  in  attendance  on  succes- 
sive parties,  often  travel   the    same  roads;   perfectly 


MEISTER'S  TRAVELS  133 

acquainted  witli  the  couveniences  and  inconveniences 
on  all  of  theni,  they  understand  how  to  use  the  one 
and  evade  the  other,  and,  without  leaving  their  own 
profit  out  of  sight,  still  to  conduct  their  patrons  more 
cheaply  and  pleasantly  through  the  country  than  with- 
out such  aid  would  have  been  possible. 

At  this  time,  also,  a  sufficient  female  train,  belong- 
ing to  our  dames,  for  the  first  time  stepped  forth  in 
decided  activity ;  and  the  fair  widow  could  now  make 
it  one  of  her  conditions,  that  the  friends  were  to 
remain  with  her  as  guests,  and  content  themselves 
■with  what  she  called  her  moderate  entertainment.  In 
this  point,  too,  all  prospered  ;  for  the  cunning  function- 
ary had,  on  this  occasion  as  on  others,  contrived  to 
make  so  good  a  use  of  the  letters  and  introductions 
which  Ms  heroines  had  brought  with  them,  that,  the 
owner  of  the  place  they  were  now  about  to  visit  being 
absent,  both  castle  and  garden,  kitchen  included,  were 
thrown  open  for  the  service  of  the  strangers,  —  nay, 
some  prospect  was  held  out,  even  of  the  cellar.  All 
things  cooperated  so  harmoniously,  that  our  wanderers 
from  the  very  first  moment  felt  themselves  as  if  at 
home,  as  if  born  lords  of  this  paradise. 

The  whole  luggage  of  the  party  was  now  carried  to 
the  island,  an  arrangement  producing  much  conven- 
ience to  all ;  though  the  cliief  advantage  aimed  at  was, 
that  the  portfolios  of  our  artist,  now  for  the  first  time 
all  collected  together,  might  afford  him  means  to  ex- 
hibit in  continuous  sequence  to  his  fair  hostesses  the 
route  he  had  followed.  This  task  was  undertaken  by 
all  parties  with  delight.  Not  that  they  proceeded  in 
the  common  style  of  amateur  and  artist,  mutually 
eulogising :  here  was  a  gifted  man,  rewarded  by  the 
most  sincere  and  judicious  praise.  But  that  we  fall 
not  into  the  suspicion  of  attempting,  with  general 
phrases,  to  palm  on  credulous  readers  what  we  could 
not  openly  show  them,  let  us  here  insert  the  judgment 


134  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

of  a  critic,  who  some  years  afterward  viewed  with 
studious  admiration  both  the  pieces  here  in  question, 
and  the  others  of  a  like  or  similar  sort  by  the  same 
hand. 

"  He  succeeds  in  representing  the  cheerful  repose 
of  lake-prospects,  where  houses  in  friendly  approxima- 
tion, imaging  themselves  in  the  clear  wave,  seem  as  if 
bathing  in  its  depths ;  shores  encircled  with  green 
hills,  behind  which  rise  forest  mountains,  and  icy 
peaks  of  glaciers.  The  tone  of  colouring  in  such 
scenes  is  gay,  mirthfully  clear ;  the  distances,  as  if 
overflowed  with  softening  vapour,  which,  from  watered 
hollows  and  river  valleys,  mounts  up  grayer  and 
mistier,  and  indicates  their  windings.  No  less  is  the 
master's  art  to  be  praised  in  views  from  valleys  lying 
nearer  the  high  Alpine  ranges,  where  dech\dties  slope 
down,  luxuriantly  overgrown,  and  fresh  streams  roll 
hastily  along  by  the  foot  of  rocks. 

"  With  exquisite  skill,  in  the  deep,  shady  trees  of  the 
foreground,  he  gives  the  distinctive  character  of  the 
several  species ;  satisfying  us  in  the  form  of  the  whole, 
as  in  the  structure  of  the  branches  and  the  detads  of 
the  leaves,  —  no  less  so  in  the  fresh  green,  with  its 
manifold  shadings,  where  soft  airs  appear  as  if  fanning 
us  with  benignant  breath,  and  the  hghts  as  if  thereby 
put  in  motion. 

"  In  the  middle  ground  his  hvely  green  tone  grows 
fainter  by  degrees,  and  at  last,  on  the  more  distant 
mountain  tops,  passing  into  weak  violet,  weds  itself 
with  the  blue  of  the  sky.  But  our  artist  is,  above  all, 
happy  in  his  paintings  of  high  Alpine  regions ;  in 
seizing  the  simple  greatness  and  stdlness  of  their  char- 
acter; the  wide  pastures  on  the  slopes,  clothed  with 
the  freshest  green,  where  dark,  solitary  firs  stand  forth 
from  the  grassy  carpet ;  and  from  high  cliffs  foaming 
brooks  rush  down.  Whether  he  reheve  liis  pasturages 
with  grazing  cattle,  or  the  narrow,  winding,  rocky  path 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  i35 

with  mules  and  laden  packhorses,  he  paints  all  with 
equal  truth  and  richness  :  still  introduced  in  the  proper 
place,  and  not  in  too  great  copiousness,  they  decorate 
and  enliven  these  scenes  without  interruptiiijf,  without 
lessening,  their  peaceful  solitude.  The  execution  testi- 
fies a  master's  hand,  —  easy  with  a  few  sure  strokes, 
and  yet  complete.  In  his  later  pieces  he  employed 
guttering  English,  permanent  colours  on  paper :  these 
pictures,  accordingly,  are  of  preeminently  blooming 
tone,  cheerful,  yet,  at  the  same  time,  strong  and  sated. 

"  His  views  of  deep  mountain  chasms,  where  round 
and  round  nothing  fronts  us  ])ut  dead  rock ;  where,  in 
the  abyss,  overspanned  by  its  bold  arch,  the  wild 
stream  rages,  —  are,  indeed,  of  less  attraction  than  the 
former;  yet  their  truth  excites  us;  we  admire  the 
great  effect  of  the  whole,  produced  at  so  little  cost,  by 
a  few  expressive  strokes,  and  masses  of  local  colours. 

"  With  no  less  accuracy  of  character  can  he  repre- 
sent the  regions  of  the  topmost  Alpine  ranges,  where 
neither  tree  nor  shrub  any  more  appears;  but  only, 
amid  the  rocky  teeth  and  snow  summits,  a  few  sunny 
spots  clothe  themselves  with  a  soft  sward.  Beautiful 
and  balmy  and  inviting  as  he  colours  these  spots,  he 
has  here  wisely  forborne  to  introduce  grazing  herds; 
for  these  regions  give  food  only  to  the  chamois,  and  a 
perilous  employment  to  the  wild-hay-men. 

"  We  shall  not  deviate  from  our  purpose  of  bringing 
the  condition  of  these  waste  scenes  as  close  as  possible 
to  the  conception  of  our  readers,  if  to  this  word,  wild- 
hay-man,  or  Wildhetier,  we  sul)join  a  short  explanation. 
It  is  a  name  given  to  the  poorer  inhabitants  of  the  up- 
land Alpine  ranges,  who  occupy  themselves  in  making 
hay  from  such  gi-assy  spots  as  are  inaccessible  to  cattle. 
For  this  purpose  they  climb,  with  cramps  on  their  feet, 
the  steepest  and  most  dangerous  cliffs;  or  from  high 
crags  let  themselves  down  by  ropes  when  this  is  neces- 
sary, and   so  reach   these  grassy  patches.     The  grass 


136  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

once  cut  and  dried  to  hay,  they  throw  it  down  from 
the  heights  into  the  deeper  valleys ;  where,  being  col- 
lected together,  it  is  sold  to  cattle-owners,  with  whom, 
on  account  of  its  superior  quality,  it  finds  a  ready 
market." 

These  paintings,  which  must  have  gratified  and 
attracted  any  eye,  were  viewed  by  Hilaria,  in  particu- 
lar, with  great  attention ;  and  from  her  observations  it 
became  clear,  that,  in  this  department,  she  herself  was 
no  stranger.  To  the  artist,  least  of  all,  did  this  con- 
tinue secret :  nor  could  approval  from  any  one  have 
been  more  precious  to  him  than  from  this  most  grace- 
ful of  all  persons.  Her  companion,  therefore,  kept 
silence  no  longer,  but  blamed  Hilaria  for  not  coming 
forward  with  her  own  accompHshments,  but  lingering 
in  this  case  as  she  always  did,  —  now  where  the  ques- 
tion was  not  of  being  praised  or  blamed,  but  of  being 
instructed,  A  fairer  opportunity,  she  said,  might  not 
easily  occur. 

And  now  it  came  to  hght,  when  she  was  thus  forced 
to  exhibit  her  portfolios,  what  a  talent  was  lying  hid 
behind  this  still  and  most  lovely  nature :  the  capacity 
had  been  derived  from  birth,  and  diligently  cultivated 
by  practice.  She  possessed  a  true  eye ;  a  delicate 
hand,  such  as  women,  accustomed  to  use  it  in  their 
dressing  and  decorating  operations,  find  available  in 
higher  art.  You  might,  doubtless,  observe  unsureness 
in  the  strokes,  and,  in  consequence,  a  too  undecided 
character  in  the  objects :  but  you  could  not  help  ad- 
miring the  most  faithful  execution ;  though  the  whole 
was  not  seized  ia  its  happiest  effect,  not  grouped  and 
adjusted  with  the  skill  of  an  artist.  She  is  afraid,  you 
would  say,  of  profaning  her  object,  if  she  keep  not 
completely  true  to  it ;  hence  she  becomes  precise  and 
stiff,  and  loses  herself  in  details. 

But  now,  by  the  great,  free  talent,  by  the  bold  hand 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  137 

of  the  artist,  she  feels  rising,  awakening  within  her, 
whatever  genuine  feeling  and  taste  had  till  now  slum- 
bered in  her  mind :  she  perceives  that  she  has  but  to 
take  heart,  and  earnestly  and  punctually  to  follow  some 
fundamental  maxims  which  the  artist,  with  penetrating 
judgment  and  friendly  importunity,  is  repeating,  and 
impressing  on  her.  That  sureness  of  stroke  comes  of 
its  own  accord ;  she  by  degrees  dwells  less  on  the  parts 
than  on  the  whole  :  and  thus  the  fairest  capability  rises 
on  a  sudden  to  fulfilment ;  as  a  rosebud,  which  in  the 
evening  we  passed  by  unobservant,  breaks  forth  in  the 
morning  at  sunrise  before  our  face ;  and  the  living, 
quivering  movement  of  this  lordly  blossom,  struggling 
out  to  the  hght,  seems  almost  visible  before  our  eyes. 

Nor  did  this  intellectual  culture  remain  without 
moral  effects ;  for,  on  a  pure  spirit,  it  produces  a  magic 
impression  to  be  conscious  of  that  heartfelt  thankful- 
ness natural  toward  any  one  to  whom  it  stands  in- 
debted for  decisive  instruction.  In  this  case  it  was 
the  first  glad  emotion  which  had  risen  in  Hilaria's  soul 
for  many  a  week.  To  see  this  lordly  world  lying 
round  her  day  after  day,  and  now  at  once  to  feel  the 
instantly  acquired,  more  perfect  gift  of  representing  it ! 
What  delight  in  figures  and  tints,  to  be  approaching 
nearer  the  Unspeakable  !  She  felt  herself  surprised  as 
with  a  new  youth,  and  could  not  refuse  a  peculiar 
kindliness  to  the  man  who  had  procured  for  her  such 
happiness. 

Thus  did  the  two  sit  together :  you  could  scarcely 
have  determined  whether  he  were  readier  in  communi- 
cating secret  advantages  in  art,  or  she  in  seizing  them 
and  turning  them  to  practice.  The  happiest  rivalry, 
such  as  too  seldom  rises  between  scholar  and  master, 
here  took  place.  Many  a  time  you  might  observe  the 
friend  preparing  with  some  decisive  stroke  to  influence 
her  drawing ;  which  she,  on  the  other  hand,  would 
gently  decline,  hastening  to  do  the  wished,  the  neces- 


138  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

sary,  of  her  own  accord,  and  always  to  her  master's 
astonishment. 

The  fair  widow,  in  the  meanwhile,  walked  along  the 
terraces  with  Wilhelm,  under  cypresses  and  pines,  now 
under  vine,  now  under  orange  groves,  and  at  last  could 
not  but  fulfil  the  faintly  indicated  wish  of  her  new 
friend,  and  disclose  to  him  the  strange  entanglement 
by  which  the  two  fair  pilgiims,  cut  off  from  their 
former  ties,  and  straitly  united  to  one  another,  had 
been  sent  forth  to  wander  over   the  world. 

Wilhelm,  who  wanted  not  the  gift  of  accurately 
noting  what  he  saw,  took  down  her  narrative  some 
time  afterward  in  writing :  this,  as  he  compiled  it  and 
transmitted  it  by  Hersilia  to  Natalia,  we  purpose  by 
and  by  communicating  to  our  readers. 

The  last  evening  was  now  come ;  and  a  rising,  most 
clear,  full  moon  concealed  the  transition  from  day  to 
night.  The  party  had  assembled  and  seated  themselves 
on  one  of  the  highest  terraces,  to  see  distinct  and  un- 
impeded, and  ghttering  in  the  sheen  of  east  and  west, 
the  peaceful  lake,  hidden  partly  in  its  length,  but 
visilile  over  all  its  breadth. 

Wliatever  in  such  circumstances  might  be  talked  of, 
it  was  natural  once  more  to  repeat  the  hundred  times 
repeated  ;  to  mention  the  beauties  of  this  sky,  of  this 
water,  of  this  land,  under  the  influences  of  a  strong  sun 
and  milder  moon,  —  nay,  exclusively  and  lyrically  to 
recognise  and   describe  them. 

But  what  none  of  them  uttered,  what  each  durst 
scarcely  avow  to  himself,  was  the  deep,  mournful  feel- 
ing which,  stronger  or  weaker,  but  with  equal  truth 
and  tenderness,  was  beating  in  every  bosom.  The 
presentiment  of  parting  diffused  itself  over  present 
union :  a  gradual  stagnation  was  becoming  almost 
painful. 

Then  at  last  the  singer  roused  himself,  summoned 
up  his  resolution ;  with  strong  tones,  preluding  on  his 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  139 

instrument ;  heedless  of  the  former  well-meant  reserve. 
Mignon's  figure,  with  the  first  soft  song  of  the  gentle 
child,  were  hovering  before  him.  Passionately  hurried 
over  the  limits,  with  longing  touch  awakening  the 
sweetly  sounding  strings,  he  began  to  raise, — 

"  Dost  know  the  land  where  citrons,  lemons,  grow, 
Gold  oranges  'neath  dusky  foliage  .   .  ." 

Hilaria  rose  in  deepest  agitation,  and  hurried  away, 
veiling  her  face :  our  fair  widow,  with  a  motion  of 
refusal,  waved  her  hand  toward  the  singer ;  while  she 
caught  Wilhelm's  arm  with  the  other.  The  perplexed 
and  half-unconscious  youth  followed  Hilaria :  WiJhelm, 
by  his  more  considerate  guide,  was  led  after  them. 
And  flow,  when  they  stood  all  four  under  the  high 
moonshine,  the  general  emotion  was  no  longer  to  be 
concealed.  The  women  threw  themselves  into  each 
other's  arms  ;  the  men  embraced  each  other ;  and  Luna 
w^as  witness  of  the  noblest,  chastest  tears.  Some  rec- 
ollection slowly  returned :  they  forced  themselves 
asunder,  silent,  under  strange  feelings  and  wishes, 
from  wliich  hope  was  already  cut  off.  And  now  our 
artist,  whom  his  friend  dragged  with  him,  felt  himself 
here  under  the  void  heaven,  in  the  solemn,  lovely  hour 
of  night,  initiated  in  the  first  stage  of  remmciation, 
wliich  those  friends  had  already  passed  through,  though 
they  now  saw  themselves  again  in  danger  of  being 
sharply  tried. 

Not  till  late  had  the  young  men  gone  to  rest ;  awak- 
ening in  the  early  morning,  they  took  heart ;  thought 
themselves  now  strong  enough  for  a  farewell  to  this 
paradise ;  devised  many  plans  for  still,  without  vio- 
lation of  duty,  at  least  lingering  in  the  pleasant 
neighbourhood. 

"Wliile  purposing  to  introduce  their  projects  to  this 
effect,  tliey  were  cut  short  by  intelligence,  that,  with 


I40  meister's  travels 

the  earliest  break  of  day,  the  ladies  had  departed.  A 
letter  from  the  hand  of  our  Queen  of  Hearts  gave  them 
more  precise  information.  You  might  have  doubted 
whether  sense  rather  than  goodness,  love  rather  than 
friendship,  acknowledgment  of  merit  rather  than  soft, 
bashful  favour,  was  expressed  in  it.  But,  alas  !  in  the 
conclusion  stood  the  hard  request,  that  our  two  wan- 
derers were  neither  to  follow  their  heroines,  nor  any- 
where to  seek  them ;  nay,  if  they  chanced  to  see  each 
other,  they  were  faithfully  to  avoid  meeting. 

And  now  the  paradise,  as  if  by  the  touch  of  an 
enchanter's  rod,  was  changed  for  our  friends  into 
an  utter  desert ;  and  certainly  they  would  have  smiled 
at  themselves  had  they  perceived  at  this  moment  how 
unjust  and  unthankful  they  were  on  a  sudden  become 
to  so  fair  and  remarkable  a  scene.  No  self-seeking 
hypochondriac  could  so  sharply  and  spitefully  have 
rated  and  censured  the  decay  of  the  buildings,  the 
neglected  condition  of  the  walls,  the  weathered  aspect 
of  the  towers,  the  grassy  obstruction  of  the  walks, 
the  perishing  of  the  trees,  the  mossiness  and  mould- 
ering of  the  artificial  grottos,  and  whatever  else  of 
that  sort  was  to  be  observed,  as  our  two  travellers 
now  did.  By  degrees,  however,  they  settled  them- 
selves as  circumstances  would  admit :  the  artist  care- 
fully packed  up  his  work  ;  they  both  set  sail ;  Wilhelm 
accompanying  him  to  the  upper  quarter  of  the  lake, 
where,  by  yjrevious  agreement,  the  former  set  forth  on 
his  way  to  Natalia,  to  introduce  her  by  his  fair  land- 
scape-papers into  scenes  wliich,  perhaps,  she  might  not 
soon  have  an  opportunity  of  viewing  with  her  eyes. 
He  was  at  the  same  time  commissioned  to  inform  her 
confessionally  of  the  late  incident,  which  had  reduced 
him  to  a  state  such  that  he  might  be  received  with 
hearty  kindness  by  the  confederates  in  the  vow  of 
renunciation,  and  with  soft,  friendly  treatment  in  the 
midst  of  them,  be  comforted  if  he  could  not  be  healed. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

In  this  division  of  our  work,  the  exculpatory  "  Word 
from  the  Editor  "  might  have  been  more  requisite  than 
even  in  the  foregoing  chapter ;  for  there,  though  we 
had  not  the  paintings  of  the  master  and  his  fair  scholar, 
on  which  all  depended,  to  exhibit  before  our  readers, 
and  could  neither  make  the  perfection  of  the  finished 
artist,  nor  the  commencing  stintedness  nor  rapid  devel- 
opment of  the  art-loving  beauty,  visible  to  their  eyes, 
yet  still  the  description  might  not  be  altogether  ineffi- 
cient, and  many  genial  and  thought-exalting  matters 
remained  to  be  imparted.  But  here,  where  the  busi- 
ness in  hand  is  a  great  object,  which  one  could 
have  wished  to  see  treated  in  the  most  precise  manner, 
there  is,  unhappily,  too  Httle  noted  down;  and  we 
cannot  hope  that  a  complete  view  will  be  attained 
from  our  communications. 

Again,  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  in  the  novel,  as 
in  universal  history,  we  have  to  struggle  with  uncer- 
tain computations  of  time,  and  cannot  always  decisively 
fix  what  has  happened  sooner,  and  what  later.  We 
shall  hold,  therefore,  by  the  surest  points. 

That  a  year  must  have  passed  since  Wilhelm  left 
the  pedagogic  province  is  rendered  certain  by  the  cir- 
cumstance that  we  now  meet  him  at  the  festival  to 
which  he  had  been  invited  :  but  as  our  wandering 
renunciants  sometimes  unexpectedly  dive  down  and 
vanish   from   our  sight,  and  then  again  emerge  into 

141 


142  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

view  at  a  place  where  they  were  not  looked  for,  it  can- 
not be  determined  with  certainty  what  track  they  have 
followed  in  the  interim. 

Now,  however,  the  traveller  advances  from  the  side 
of  the  plain  country  into  the  pedagogic  province :  he 
comes  over  fields  and  pasturages ;  skii'ts,  on  the  dry 
lea,  many  a  httle  freshet ;  sees  bushy  rather  than 
woody  hills  ;  a  free  prospect  on  all  sides,  over  a  surface 
but  httle  undulated.  On  such  tracks,  he  did  not  long 
doubt  that  he  was  in  the  horse-producing  region ;  and 
accordingly  he  failed  not  here  and  there  to  observe 
greater  or  smaller  herds  of  mares  and  foals.  But  all 
at  once  the  horizon  darkens  with  a  fierce  cloud  of  dust, 
which,  rapidly  swellhig  nearer  and  nearer,  covers  all 
the  breadth  of  the  space,  yet  at  last,  rent  asunder  by 
a  sharp  side  wind,  is  forced  to  disclose  its  interior 
tumult. 

At  full  gallop  rushes  forward  a  vast  multitude  of 
these  noble  animals,  guided  and  held  together  by 
mounted  keepers.  The  monstrous  hurly-burly  whirls 
past  the  wanderer :  a  fair  boy  among  the  keepers 
looks  at  him  with  surprise,  pulls  in,  leaps  down, 
and  embraces  his  father. 

Now  commences  a  questioning  and  answering:  the 
boy  relates  that  an  agricultural  life  had  not  agreed  with 
him;  the  harvest-home  he  had,  indeed,  found  dehght- 
ful,  but  the  subsequent  arrangements,  the  ploughing  and 
digging,  by  no  means  so.  This  the  superiors  remark, 
and  observe  at  the  same  time  that  he  likes  to  employ 
himself  with  animals:  they  direct  him  to  the  useful 
and  necessary  domestic  breeds,  try  him  as  a  seques- 
tered herdsman  and  keeper,  and  at  last  promote  him  to 
the  more  lively  equestrian  occupation,  where  accord- 
ingly he  now,  himself  a  young  foal,  has  to  watch  over 
foals,  and  to  forward  their  good  nourishment  and  train- 
ing under  the  oversight  of  skilful  comrades. 

Father  and  son,  following  the  herd  by  various  lone- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  i43 

lying  spacious  farmyards,  readied  the  town,  or  handet, 
near  which  the  gieat  annual  market  was  held.  Here 
rages  an  incredible  confusion,  in  which  it  is  hard 
to  deterniuie  whether  merchants  or  wares  raise  more 
dust.  From  all  countries,  jmrchasers  assemble  here 
to  procure  animals  of  noble  blood  and  careful  training : 
all  the  languages  of  the  earth,  you  would  fancy,  meet 
your  ear.  Amid  all  this  liubbub,  too,  rises  the  lively 
sound  of  powerful  wind  instruments:  everythmg  be- 
speaks motion,  vigour,  antl  life. 

The  wanderer  meets  his  overseer  of  last  year,  who 
presents  him  to  the  others:  he  is  even  introduced 
to  one  of  the  Three,  and  by  him,  though  only  in 
passing,  paternally  and  expressively  saluted. 

Wilhelm,  here  again  observing  an  example  of  exclu- 
sive culture  and  hfe-leading,  expresses  a  desire  to  know 
in  what  else  the  pupils  are  practised,  by  way  of 
counterpoise,  that  so  in  this  wild,  and,  to  a  certain 
degree,  savage  occupation  of  feeding  animals,  the  youth 
may  not  himself  roughen  into  an  animal.  And,  in 
answer,  he  is  gratified  to  learn,  that  precisely  with  this 
violent  and  rugged-looking  occupation  the  softest  in 
the  world  is  united,  —  the  learning  and  practising  of 
languages. 

"  To  this,"  it  was  said,  "  we  have  been  induced  by 
the  circumstance,  that  there  are  youths  from  all  quar- 
ters of  the  world  assembled  here ;  now,  to  prevent 
them  from  uniting,  as  usually  happens  when  abroad, 
into  national  knots,  and  forming  exclusive  parties,  we 
endeavour  by  a  free  communication  of  speech  to 
approximate  them. 

"  Indeed,  a  general  acquaintance  with  languages  is 
here  in  some  degree  rendered  necessary ;  since,  in  our 
yearly  market  festivals,  every  foreigner  wishes  to  con- 
verse in  his  own  tones  and  icUom,  and,  in  the  course  of 
cheapening  and  purchasing,  to  proceed  with  all  possible 
convenience.    That  no  Babylonish  confusion  of  tongues, 


144  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

however,  no  corruption  of  speech,  may  arise  from  this 
practice,  we  employ  a  different  language  month  by 
month,  throughout  the  year ;  according  to  the  maxim, 
that,  in  learning  anything,  its  first  principles  alone 
should  be  taught  by  constraint. 

"  We  look  upon  our  scholars,"  said  the  overseer,  "  as 
so  many  swimmers,  who,  in  the  element  which  threat- 
ened to  swallow  them,  feel  mth  astonishment  that 
they  are  lighter,  that  it  bears  and  carries  them  forward  ; 
and  so  it  is  with  everything  that  man  undertakes. 

"  However,  if  any  one  of  our  young  men  show  a 
special  inclination  for  this  or  the  other  language,  we 
neglect  not,  in  the  midst  of  this  tumultuous-looking 
Hfe,  which  nevertheless  offers  very  many  quiet,  idly 
sohtary,  nay,  tedious  hours,  to  provide  for  his  true  and 
substantial  instruction.  Our  riding  grammarians,  among 
whom  there  are  even  some  pedagogues,  you  would  be 
surprised  to  discover  among  these  bearded  and  beard- 
less centaurs.  Your  Felix  has  turned  himself  to  Italian ; 
and,  in  the  monotonous  solitude  of  his  herdsman  hfe, 
you  shall  hear  him  send  forth  many  a  dainty  song 
with  proper  feehng  and  taste.  Practical  activity  and 
expertness  are  far  more  compatible  with  sufficient  in- 
tellectual culture  than  is  generally  supposed." 

Each  of  these  districts  was  celebrating  its  pecuhar 
festival,  so  the  guest  was  now  conducted  to  the  instru- 
mental music  department.  This  tract,  skirted  by  the 
level  country,  began  from  its  very  border  to  exhibit 
kind  and  beautifully  changing  valleys ;  little  trim 
woods ;  soft  brooks,  by  the  side  of  which,  among  the 
sward,  here  and  there  a  mossy  crag  modestly  stood 
forth.  Scattered,  bush-encircled  dwellings  you  might 
see  on  the  hillsides ;  in  soft  hollows,  the  houses  clus- 
tered nearer  together.  Those  gracefully  separated 
cottages  lay  so  far  apart,  that  neither  tones  nor  mis- 
tones  could  be  heard  from  one  to  the  other. 

They  now   approached   a  wide   space,  begirt  with 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  145 

buildings  and  shady  trees,  where  crowded,  man  on 
man,  all  seemed  on  the  stretch  of  expectation  and 
attention.  Just  as  the  stranger  entered,  there  was 
sent  forth  from  all  the  uistruments  a  grand  symplicmy, 
the  full,  rich  power  and  tenderness  of  which  he  could 
not  but  admire.  Opposite  the  spacious  main  orchestra 
was  a  smaller  one,  wliich  failed  not  to  attract  his 
notice :  here  stood  various  younger  and  elder  scholars : 
each  held  his  instrument  in  readiness  without  playing ; 
these  were  they  who  as  yet  could  not,  or  durst  not, 
join  in  with  the  whole.  It  was  interesting  to  observe 
how  they  stood,  as  it  were,  on  the  start ;  and  our  friend 
was  informed  that  such  a  festival  seldom  passed  over 
without  some  one  or  other  of  them  suddenly  developing 
his  talent. 

As,  among  the  instrumental,  music  singing  was  now 
introduced,  no  doubt  could  remain  that  this  also  was 
favoured.  To  the  question,  Wliat  other  sort  of  culture 
was  here  blended  in  kind  union  with  the  chief  employ- 
ment, our  wanderer  learned,  in  reply,  that  it  was 
poetry,  and  of  the  lyrical  kind.  In  this  matter  it 
appeared  their  main  concern  was,  that  both  arts  should 
be  developed,  each  for  itself  and  from  itself,  but  then 
also  in  contrast  and  combination  with  each  other.  The 
scholars  were  first  instructed  in  each  according  to  its 
own  limitations,  then  taught  how  the  two  reciprocally 
limit,  and  again  reciprocally  free  each  other. 

To  poetical  rhythm  the  musical  artist  opposes  meas- 
ure of  tone,  and  movement  of  tone.  But  here  the 
mastery  of  Music  over  Poesy  soon  shows  itself ;  for  if 
the  latter,  as  is  fit  and  necessary,  keep  her  quantities 
never  so  steadily  in  view,  still  for  the  musician  few 
syllables  are  decidedly  short  or  long :  at  his  pleasure  he 
can  overset  the  most  conscientious  procedure  of  the 
rhythmer,  —  nay,  change  prose  itself  into  song;  from 
which,  in  truth,  the  richest  possibOities  present  them- 
selves:   and    the    poet    would    soon    feel    himself   an- 


146  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

uiliilated  if  he  could  not,  on  his  own  side,  by  lyrical 
tenderness  and  boldness,  inspire  the  musician  with 
reverence,  and,  now  in  the  softest  sequence,  now  by 
the  most  abrupt  transitions,  awaken  new  feelings  in 
the  mind. 

The  singers  to  be  met  with  here  are  mostly  poets 
themselves.  Dancing  also  is  taught  in  its  fundamental 
principles,  that  so  all  these  accomplishments  may  regu- 
larly spread  themselves  into  every  district. 

The  guest,  on  being  led  across  the  next  boundary,  at 
once  perceived  an  altogether  different  mode  of  building. 
The  houses  were  no  longer  scattered  into  separation, 
no  longer  in  the  shape  of  cottages :  they  stood  regularly 
united,  beautiful  in  their  exterior,  spacious,  conveuient, 
and  elegant  withm ;  you  here  saw  an  unconfined,  well- 
built,  stately  town,  corresponding  to  the  scene  it  stood 
in.  Here  the  plastic  arts,  and  the  trades  akin  to  them 
have  their  home ;  and  a  peculiar  silence  reigns  over 
these  spaces. 

The  plastic  artist,  it  is  true,  must  still  figure  himseK 
as  standing  in  relation  to  all  that  lives  and  moves 
among  men ;  but  his  occupation  is  sohtary :  and  yet, 
by  the  strangest  contradiction,  there  is,  perhaps,  no 
other  that  so  decidedly  requires  a  hviog  accompani- 
ment and  society.  Now,  here,  in  that  circle,  is  each 
in  silence  forming  shapes  that  are  for  ever  to  engage 
the  eyes  of  men :  a  hohday  stillness  reigns  over  the 
whole  scene ;  and  did  you  not  here  and  there  catch  the 
picking  of  stone-hewers,  and  the  measured  stroke  of 
carpenters,  who  are  now  busily  employed  in  finishing 
a  lordly  edifice,  the  air  were  unmoved  by  any  sound. 

Our  wanderer  was  struck,  moreover,  by  the  earnest- 
ness, the  singular  rigour,  with  which  beginners,  as  well 
as  more  advanced  pupils,  were  treated :  it  seemed  as  if 
no  one,  by  his  own  power  and  judgment,  accomplished 
anything,  but  as  if  a  secret  spirit,  striving  toward  one 
single  great  aim,  pervaded  and  vivified  them  all.     No- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  147 

where  did  you  observe  a  scheme  or  sketch  :  every  stroke 
was  drawn  with  forethought.  As  the  wanderer  inquired 
of  his  guide  the  reason  of  this  jteculiar  procedure,  he 
was  told,  "  Tliat  imagination  was,  in  itself,  a  vague, 
unstable  power,  which  the  whole  merit  of  the  plastic 
artist  consisted  in  more  and  more  determining,  fixing, 
nay,  at  last  exalting  to  visible  presence." 

The  necessity  for  sure  principles  in  other  arts  was 
mentioned.  "  Would  the  musician,"  it  was  said,  "  per- 
mit his  scholar  to  dash  wildly  over  the  strings,  —  nay, 
to  invent  bars  and  intervals  for  himself  at  his  own 
good  pleasure  ?  Here  it  is  palpable  tliat  nothing  can 
be  left  to  the  caprice  of  the  learner :  the  element  he  is 
to  work  in  is  irrevocably  given  ;  the  implement  he  is 
to  wield  is  put  into  his  hands ;  nay,  the  very  way  and 
manner  of  Ms  using  it,  I  mean  the  changing  of  the 
fingers,  he  finds  prescribed  to  him ;  so  ordered  that  the 
one  part  of  his  hand  shall  give  place  to  the  other,  and 
each  prepare  the  proper  path  for  its  follower :  by  such 
determinate  cooperation  only  can  the  impossible  at 
last  become  possible. 

"  But  what  chiefly  vindicates  the  practice  of  strict 
requisitions,  of  decided  laws,  is  that  genius,  that  native 
talent,  is  precisely  the  readiest  to  seize  them,  and  yield 
them  willing  obedience.  It  is  only  the  half-gifted  that 
would  wish  to  put  his  own  contracted  singularity  in 
the  place  of  the  unconditional  whole,  and  justify 
his  false  attempts  under  cover  of  an  unconstrainable 
originality  and  independence.  To  this  we  grant  no 
currency :  we  guard  our  scholars  from  all  such  mis- 
conceptions, whereby  a  large  portion  of  hfe,  nay,  often 
the  whole  of  hfe,  is  apt  to  be  perplexed  and  dis- 
jointed. 

"  With  genius  we  love  most  to  be  concerned,  for  this 
is  animated  just  by  that  good  spirit  of  quickly  recog- 
nising what  is  profitable  for  it.  Genius  understands 
that  Art  is  called  Art,  because  it  is  7wt  Nature.     Genius 


148  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

bends  itself  to  respect  even  toward  what  may  be  named 
conventional ;  for  what  is  this  but  agreeing,  as  the 
most  distinguished  men  have  agreed,  to  regard  the 
unalterable,  the  indispensable,  as  the  best  ?  And  does 
not  such  submission  always  turn  to  good  account  ? 

"Here,  too,  as  in  all  our  departments,  to  the  great 
assistance  of  the  teachers,  our  three  reverences  and 
their  signs,  with  some  changes  suitable  to  the  nature 
of  the  main  employment,  have  been  introduced  and 
inculcated." 

The  wanderer,  in  his  further  survey,  was  surprised  to 
observe  that  the  town  seemed  still  extending;  street 
unfolding  itself  from  street,  and  so  offering  the  most 
varied  prospects.  The  exterior  of  the  edifices  corres- 
ponded to  their  destination :  they  were  dignified  and 
stately,  not  so  much  magnificent  as  beautiful.  To  the 
nobler  and  more  earnest  buildings  in  the  centre  of 
the  town  the  more  cheerful  were  harmoniously  ap- 
pended ;  till,  farther  out,  gay,  decorated  suburbs,  in 
graceful  style,  stretched  forth  into  the  country,  and  at 
last  separated  into  garden-houses. 

The  stranger  could  not  fail  to  remark  that  the  dwell- 
ings of  the  musicians  in  the  preceding  district  were  by 
no  means  to  be  compared,  in  beauty  or  size,  with  the 
present,  wliich  painters,  statuaries,  and  architects  in- 
habited. He  was  told  that  this  arose  from  the  nature 
of  the  thing.  The  musician,  ever  shrouded  in  himself, 
must  cultivate  his  inmost  being,  that  so  he  may  turn 
it  outward.  The  sense  of  the  eye  he  may  not  flatter. 
The  eye  easUy  corrupts  the  judgment  of  the  ear,  and 
allures  the  spirit  from  the  inward  to  the  outward. 
Inversely,  again,  the  plastic  artist  has  to  hve  in  the 
external  world,  and  to  manifest  his  inward  being,  as  it 
were,  unconsciously,  in  and  upon  what  is  outward. 
Plastic  artists  should  dwell  like  kings  and  gods :  how 
else  are  they  to  build  and  decorate  for  kings  and  gods  ? 
They  must  at  last  so  raise  themselves  above  the  com- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  149 

mon  that  the  whole  mass  of  a  people  may  feel  itself 
ennobled  in  and  by  their  works. 

Our  friend  then  begged  an  explanation  of  another 
paradox.  Why,  at  this  time,  so  festive,  so  enhvening, 
so  tuniultuously  excited,  in  the  other  regions,  the 
greatest  stillness  prevailed  here,  and  all  labours  were 
continued  ? 

"  A  plastic  artist,"  it  was  answered,  "  needs  no  fes- 
tival. Wlien  he  has  accomplished  something  excellent 
it  stands,  as  it  has  long  done  before  his  own  eye,  now 
at  last  before  the  eye  of  the  world.  In  his  task  he 
needed  no  repetition,  no  new  effort,  no  fresh  succ&ss ; 
whereas  the  musician  constantly  atllicts  himself  with 
all  this :  and  to  him,  therefore,  the  most  splendid  fes- 
tival, in  the  most  numerous  assemblage,  should  not  be 
refused." 

"  Yet,  at  such  a  season,"  replied  Wilhelm,  "  some- 
thing like  an  exhibition  might  be  desirable,  in  which 
it  would  be  pleasant  to  inspect  and  judge  the  triennial 
progress  of  your  best  pupils." 

"  In  other  places,"  it  was  answered,  "  an  exhibition 
may  be  necessary :  with  us  it  is  not.  Our  whole  being 
and  nature  is  exhibition.  Look  round  you  at  these 
buildings  of  every  sort,  all  erected  by  our  pupils,  and 
this  not  without  plans,  a  hundred  times  talked  of 
and  meditated ;  for  the  builder  must  not  gi'ope  and 
experiment :  what  is  to  continue  standing  must  stand 
rightly,  and  satisfy,  if  not  for  ever,  yet  at  least  for  a 
long  space  of  time.  If  we  cannot  help  committing 
errors,  we  must  hiild  none. 

"  With  statuaries  we  proceed  more  laxly,  most  so  of 
all  with  painters :  to  both  we  give  liberty  to  try  this 
and  that,  each  in  his  own  way.  It  stands  in  their 
power  to  select,  in  the  interior  or  exterior  compart- 
ments of  edifices  in  public  places,  some  space  which 
they  may  incline  to  decorate.  They  give  forth  their 
ideas ;  and,  if  these  are  in  some  degree  to  be  approved 


150  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

of,  the  completion  of  them  is  permitted,  and  this  in  two 
ways :  either  with  hberty,  sooner  or  later,  to  remove 
the  work,  should  it  come  to  displease  the  artist;  or 
with  the  condition  that  what  is  once  set  up  shall 
remain  unalterable  in  its  place.  Most  part  choose  the 
first  of  these  offers,  retaining  in  their  own  hands  this 
power  of  removal ;  and  in  the  performance  they  con- 
stantly avail  themselves  of  the  best  advice.  The  second 
case  occurs  seldomer ;  and  we  then  observe  that  the 
artist  trusts  less  to  himself,  holds  long  conferences  with 
companions  and  critics,  and  by  this  means  produces 
works  really  estimable,  and  deserving  to  endure." 

After  all  this  our  traveller  neglected  not  to  ask. 
What  other  species  of  instruction  was  combined  with 
the  main  one  here  ?  and  received  for  answer,  that  it  was 
poetry,  and  of  the  epic  sort. 

This  to  our  friend  must  have  seemed  a  little  singular, 
when  he  heard  further  that  the  pupils  were  not  allowed 
to  read  or  hear  any  finished  poems  by  ancient  or  mod- 
ern poets.  "  We  merely  impart  to  them,"  it  was  said, 
"  a  series  of  mythuses,  traditions,  and  legends,  in  the 
most  laconic  form.  And  now,  from  the  pictorial  or 
poetic  execution  of  these  subjects,  we  at  once  discover 
the  peculiar  productive  gift  of  the  genius  devoted  to  the 
one  or  the  other  art.  Both  poet  and  painter  thus  labour 
at  the  same  fountain ;  and  each  endeavours  to  draw  off 
the  water  to  his  own  side  to  his  own  advantage,  and 
attain  his  own  required  objects  with  it ;  in  which  he 
succeeds  much  better  than  if  he  attempted  again  to 
fashion  something  that  has  been  fashioned  already." 

The  traveller  himself  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
how  this  was  accomplished  :  several  painters  were  busy 
in  a  room ;  a  gay  young  friend  was  relating  with  great 
minuteness  a  very  simple  story ;  so  that  he  employed 
almost  as  many  words  as  the  others  did  pencil-strokes, 
to  complete  the  same  exhibition,  and  round  it  fully  off. 

He  was  told,  that,  in  working  together,  the  friends 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  151 

were  wont  to  carry  on  much  pleasant  conversation ; 
and  that  in  this  way  several  improvisatori  had  unfolded 
their  gifts,  and  succeeded  in  exciting  great  enthusiasm 
for  this  twofold  mode  of  representation. 

Our  friend  now  reverted  his  inquiries  to  the  subject 
of  plastic  art.  "  You  have  no  exhibition,"  said  he, "  and 
therefore,  I  suppose,  give  no  prize  either  ?  " 

"  No,"  said  the  other,  "  we  do  not ;  but  here,  close 
by,  we  can  show  you  something  which  we  reckon  more 
useful." 

They  entered  a  large  hall,  appropriately  lighted  from 
above :  a  wide  circle  of  busy  artists  first  attracted  the 
eye ;  and  from  the  midst  of  these  rose  a  colossal  group 
of  figures,  elevated  with  pleasing  effect  in  the  centre  of 
the  place.  Male  and  female  forms,  of  gigantic  power, 
in  violent  postures,  reminded  one  of  that  lordly  fight 
between  heroic  youths  and  Amazons,  wherein  hate  and 
enmity  at  last  issue  in  mutually  regi-etful  alliance.  This 
strikingly  intertwisted  piece  of  art  presented  an  equally 
favourable  aspect  from  every  point  of  its  circuit.  In 
a  wide  ring  round  it  were  many  artists  sitting  and 
standing,  each  occupied  in  his  own  way,  —  the  painter 
at  his  easel,  the  drawer  at  liis  sketch-board  :  some  were 
modelling  it  in  full,  others  in  bas-relief :  there  were  even 
architects  engaged  in  planning  the  pedestal,  on  which 
a  similar  group,  when  wi-ought  in  marble,  was  to  be 
erected.  Each  individual  was  proceeding  by  his  own 
method  in  this  task :  painters  and  drawers  were  bring- 
ing out  the  group  to  a  plain  surface,  careful,  however, 
not  to  destroy  its  figures,  but  to  retain  as  much  of  it  as 
possible.  In  the  same  manner  were  works  in  bas-relief 
going  forward.  One  man  only  had  repeated  the  whole 
gi-oup  in  a  miniature  scale,  and  in  certain  movements 
and  arrangements  of  limbs  he  really  seemed  to  have 
surpassed  his  model. 

And  now  it  came  out  that  this  man  was  the  maker 
of  the  model ;  who,  before  working  it  in  marble,  had 


152  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

here  submitted  his  performance,  not  to  a  critical,  but  to 
a  practical  trial,  and  by  accurately  observing  whatever 
any  of  his  fellow  artists  in  his  special  department  and 
way  of  thought  might  notice,  retain,  or  alter  in  the 
group,  was  purposing,  in  subsequent  consideration,  to 
turn  all_  this  to  his  own  profit :  so  that,  w^hen  at  length 
the  grand  work  stood  finished  in  marble,  though  under- 
taken, planned,  and  executed  by  one,  it  might  seem  to 
belong  to  all. 

The  gi-eatest  silence  reigned  throughout  tliis  apart- 
ment also ;  but  the  superior  raised  his  voice,  and  cried, 
"  Is  there  any  of  you,  then,  who,  in  presence  of  this 
stationary  work,  can,  with  gifted  words,  so  awaken  our 
imagination,  that  all  we  here  see  concreted  shall  again 
become  fluid,  without  losing  its  character,  and  so  con- 
vince us  that  what  our  artist  has  here  laid  hold  of  was 
indeed  the  worthiest  ?  " 

Called  forth  on  all  sides  by  name,  a  fair  youth  laid 
down  Ills  work,  and,  as  he  stepped  forward,  began  a 
quiet  speech,  seemingly  intended  merely  to  describe  the 
present  group  of  figures ;  but  erelong  he  cast  himself 
into  the  region  of  poetry,  plunged  into  the  middle  of  the 
action,  and  ruled  this  element  hke  a  master :  by  degrees 
his  representation  so  swelled  and  mounted  by  lordly 
words  and  gestures,  that  the  rigid  gi-oup  seemed  actually 
to  move  about  its  axis,  and  the  number  of  its  figures  to 
be  doubled  and  trebled.  Wilhelm  stood  enraptured,  and 
at  last  exclaimed,  "  Can  we  now  forbear  passing  over 
into  song  itself,  into  rhythmic  melody  ? " 

"  This  I  should  wish  to  deprecate,"  said  the  overseer ; 
"  for,  if  our  excellent  statuary  will  be  candid,  he  will 
confess  to  us  that  our  poet  scarcely  pleases  him ;  and 
this  because  their  arts  he  in  the  most  opposite  regions : 
on  the  other  hand,  I  durst  bet,  that  here  and  there  a 
painter  has  not  failed  to  appropriate  some  living  touches 
from  the  speech. 

"A  soft,  kindly   song,  however,  I   could   wish   our 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  153 

friend  to  hear :  there  is  one,  for  instance,  which  you 
sing  to  an  air  so  lovely  and  earnest ;  it  turns  on  art 
in  general,  and  I  myself  never  hsteu  to  it  without 
pleasure." 

After  a  pause,  in  which  they  beckoned  to  each  other, 
and  settled  their  arraugeuieuts  by  signs,  the  following 
heart  and  spirit  stirring  song  resounded  in  stately 
melody  from  all  sides  : 


"  While  inventing  and  effecting, 

Artist  by  thyself  continue  long: 
The  result  art  thou  expecting, 

Haste  and  see  it  in  the  throng. 
Here  in  others  look,  discover 

What  thy  own  life's  course  has  been ; 
And  thy  deeds  of  years  past  over, 

In  thy  fellow  man  be  seen. 

"  The  devising,  the  uniting, 

What  and  how  the  forms  shall  be, 
One  thing  will  the  other  lighten. 

And  at  last  comes  joy  to  thee  ! 
Wise  and  true  what  thou  impartest, 

Fairly  shaped,  and  softly  done  : 
Thus  of  old  the  cunning  artist 

Artist-like  his  glory  won. 

"  As  all  Nature's  thousand  changes 

But  one  changeless  God  proclaim  ; 
So  in  Art's  wide  kingdoms  ranges 

One  sole  meaning  still  the  same: 
This  is  Truth,  eternal  Reason, 

Which  from  Beauty  takes  its  dress, 
And,  serene  through  time  and  season, 

Stands  for  aye  in  loveliness. 

"  While  the  orator,  the  singer, 

Pour  their  hearts  in  rhyme  and  prose, 
'Neath  the  painter's  busy  finger 

Shall  bloom  forth  Life's  cheerful  rose. 
Girt  with  sisters,  in  the  middle, 

And  with  Autumn's  fruitage  blent ; 


154  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

That  of  life's  mysterious  riddle 
Some  short  glimpses  may  be  hent. 

"  Thousand-fold  and  graceful,  show  thou 

Form  from  forms  evolving  fair  ; 
And  of  man's  bright  image  know  thou 

That  a  God  once  tarried  there: 
And,  whate'er  your  tasks  or  prizes, 

Stand  as  brethren  one  and  all ; 
While,  like  song,  sweet  incense  rises 

From  the  altar  at  your  call." 

All  this  Wilhelm  could  not  but  let  pass,  though  it 
must  have  seemed  paradoxical  enough,  and,  had  he  not 
seen  it  with  his  eyes,  might  even  have  appeared  impos- 
sible. But  now,  when  it  was  explained  and  pointed  out 
to  liim,  openly  and  freely,  and  in  fair  sequence,  he 
scarcely  needed  to  put  any  further  question  on  the 
subject.  However,  he  at  last  addressed  his  conductor 
as  follows :  "  I  see  here  a  most  prudent  provision  made 
for  much  that  is  desirable  in  life ;  but  tell  me  further, 
which  of  your  regions  exhibits  a  similar  attention  to 
dramatic  poetry,  and  where  could  I  instruct  myself  in 
that  matter  ?  I  have  looked  round  over  all  your  edi- 
fices, and  observed  none  that  seemed  destined  for  such 
an  object." 

"  In  reply  to  this  question,  we  must  not  hide  from 
you,  that,  in  our  whole  province,  there  is  no  such 
edifice  to  be  seen.  The  drama  presupposes  the  exist- 
ence of  an  idle  multitude,  perhaps  even  of  a  populace ; 
and  no  such  class  finds  harbour  with  us :  for  birds  of 
that  feather,  when  they  do  not  in  spleen  forsake  us 
of  their  own  accord,  we  soon  take  care  to  conduct  over 
the  marches.  Doubt  not,  however,  that  in  our  Institu- 
tion, so  universal  in  its  character,  this  point  was  care- 
fully meditated ;  but  no  region  could  be  found  for  the 
purpose,  everywhere  some  important  scruple  came  in 
the  way.  Indeed,  who  among  our  pupils  could  readily 
determine,  with  pretended   mirth  or  hypocritical  sor- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  155 

row,  to  excite  in  the  rest  a  feeliug  untrue  in  itself,  and 
alien  to  the  moment,  for  the  sake  of  calling  forth 
an  always  duluous  satisfaction  ?  Such  juggleries  we 
reckoned  in  all  cases  dangerous,  and  could  not  recon- 
cile with  our  earnest  objects." 

"  It  is  said,  however,"  answered  Wilhelm,  "  that  this 
far-stretching  art  promotes  all  the  rest  of  whatever 
sort." 

"  Nowise,"  answered  the  other  :  "  it  employs  the  rest, 
but  spoils  tliem.  I  do  not  blame  a  player  for  uniting 
himself  with  a  painter  ;  but  the  painter,  in  such  society, 
is  lost.  Without  any  conscience,  the  player  will  lay 
hold  of  whatever  art  or  hfe  presents  him,  and  use  it  for 
his  fugitive  objects,  indeed,  with  no  small  profit :  the 
painter,  again,  who  could  wish  in  return  to  extract  ad- 
vantage from  the  theatre,  will  constantly  find  himself  a 
loser  by  it ;  and  so  also  in  the  like  case  will  the  nmsi- 
cian.  The  combined  arts  appear  to  me  like  a  family  of 
sisters,  of  whom  the  gi-eater  part  were  incHned  to  good 
economy,  but  one  was  light-headed,  and  desirous  to 
appropriate  and  squander  the  whole  goods  and  chattels 
of  the  household.  The  theatre  is  this  wasteful  sister :  it 
has  an  ambiguous  origin,  which  in  no  case,  whether  as 
art  or  trade  or  amusement,  it  can  wholly  conceal." 

Wilhelm  cast  Ms  eyes  on  the  ground  with  a  deep 
sigh  :  for  all  that  he  had  enjoyed  or  suffered  on  the 
stage  rose  at  once  before  his  mind ;  and  he  blessed 
the  good  men  who  were  wise  enough  to  spare  their 
pupils  such  pain,  and,  out  of  principle  and  conviction, 
to  l)anish  such  errors  from  their  sphere. 

His  attendant,  however,  did  not  leave  him  long  in 
these  meditations,  but  continued,  "  As  it  is  our  highest 
and  holiest  principle,  that  no  talent,  no  capacity,  be 
misdirected,  we  cannot  hide  from  ourselves,  that, 
among  so  large  a  number,  here  and  there  a  mimical 
gift  will  sometimes  decidedly  come  to  light ;  exhibiting 
itseK  in  an  irresistible  desir-e  to    ape   the  characters. 


156  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

forms,  movements,  speech,  of  others.  This  we  certainly 
do  not  encourage :  but  we  observe  our  pupil  strictly  ; 
and,  if  he  continue  faithful  to  his  nature,  then  we  have 
already  estabhshed  an  intercourse  with  the  great 
theatres  of  all  nations ;  and  so  thither  we  send  any 
youth  of  tried  capability,  that,  as  the  duck  on  the 
pond,  so  he  on  the  boards,  may  be  forthwith  conducted, 
full  speed,  to  the  future  quack-quacking,  and  gibble- 
gabbling,  of  his  hfe." 

WiUielm  heard  this  with  patience,  but  only  with  half 
conviction,  perhaps  with  some  spleen :  for  so  strangely 
is  man  tempered,  that  he  may  be  persuaded  of  the 
worthlessness  of  any  darling  object,  may  turn  away 
from  it,  nay,  even  execrate  it,  but  yet  will  not  see 
it  treated  in  this  way  by  others ;  and  perhaps  the 
sphit  of  Contradiction,  wliich  dwells  in  all  men,  never 
rouses  itself  more  vehemently  and  stoutly  than  in  such 
cases. 

And  the  editor  of  these  sheets  may  himself  confess 
that  he  lets  not  this  strange  passage  through  Ms  hands 
without  some  touch  of  anger.  Has  not  he,  too,  in  many 
senses,  expended  more  Hfe  and  faculty  than  was  right 
on  the  theatre  ?  And  would  these  men  convince  him 
that  this  has  been  an  unpardonable  error,  a  fruitless 
tod? 

But  we  have  no  time  for  appending,  in  splenetic 
mood,  such  remembrances  and  after-feelings  to  the 
narrative ;  for  our  friend  now  finds  himself  agreeably 
surprised,  as  one  of  the  Three,  and  this  a  particularly 
prepossessing  one,  again  comes  before  his  eyes.  Kind, 
open  meekness,  announcing  the  purest  peace  of  soul, 
came  in  its  refreshing  effluences  along  with  him. 
Trustfully  the  wanderer  could  approach,  and  feel  his 
trust  returned. 

Here  he  now  learned  that  the  chief  was  at  present 
in  the  sanctuary,  instructing,  teaching,  blessing ;  while 
the  Three  had  separated  to  visit  all  the  regions,  and 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  157 

everywhere,  after  most  thorough  information  o})taine(l, 
and  conferences  with  the  subordinate  overseers,  to  for- 
ward what  was  in  progi-ess,  to  found  what  was  newly- 
planned,  and  thereby  faithfully  discharge  theii-  high 
duty. 

This  same  excellent  person  now  gave  him  a  more 
comprehensive  view  of  their  internal  situation  and 
external  connections ;  explained  to  him  the  mutual 
influences  of  one  region  on  another ;  and  also  ]jy  what 
steps,  after  a  longer  or  a  shorter  date,  a  pupil  could  be 
transferred  from  the  one  to  the  other.  All  this  har- 
monised completely  with  what  he  already  knew.  At 
the  same  time  he  was  much  gratitied  by  the  description 
given  of  liis  son,  and  their  further  plan  of  education 
met  with  his  entire  approval. 

He  was  now,  by  the  assistants  and  overseer,  in- 
vited to  a  miners'  festival,  which  was  forthwith  to  be 
celebrated.  The  ascent  of  the  mountains  was  difficult ; 
and  Wilhelm  fancied  he  observed  that  his  guide  walked 
even  slower  toward  evening,  as  if  the  darkness  had  not 
been  hkely  to  obstruct  their  path  still  more.  But, 
when  deep  night  came  round  them,  this  enigma  was 
solved :  our  wanderer  observed  little  flames  come 
glimmering  and  wavering  forth  from  many  dells  and 
chasms,  gradually  stretch  themselves  into  lines,  and 
roll  over  the  summits  of  the  mountains.  Much  kind- 
lier than  when  a  volcano  opens,  and  its  belching  roar 
threatens  whole  countries  with  destruction,  did  tliis  fair 
light  appear ;  and  yet,  by  degrees,  it  glowed  with  new 
brightness ;  grew  stronger,  broader,  more  continuous  ; 
glittered  like  a  stream  of  stars,  soft  and  lovely  indeed, 
yet  spreading  boldly  over  all  the  scene. 

After  the  attendant  had  a  little  while  enjoyed  the 
surprise  of  his  guest,  —  for  they  could  clearly  enough 
observe  each  other,  their  faces  and  forms,  as  well  as 
their  path,  being  illuminated  by  the  hght  from  the 
distance,  —  he  began,  "  You  see  here,  in  truth,  a  curious 


158  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

spectacle  :  these  lights  which,  day  and  night,  the  whole 
year  over,  gleam  and  work  under  ground,  forwarding 
the  acqviisition  of  concealed  and  scarcely  attainable 
treasures,  these  now  mount  and  well  forth  from  their 
abysses,  and  gladden  the  upper  night.  Scarcely  could 
one  anywhere  enjoy  so  brave  a  review  as  here,  where 
this  most  useful  occupation,  which,  in  its  subterranean 
concealment,  is  dispersed  and  hidden  from  the  eye, 
rises  before  us  in  its  full  completeness,  and  bespeaks 
a  great  secret  combination." 

Amid  such  speeches  and  thoughts  they  had  reached 
the  spot  where  these  fire-brooks  poured  themselves  into 
a  sea  of  flame  surrounding  a  well-lighted  insular  space. 
The  wanderer  placed  himself  in  the  dazzhng  circle, 
within  which  glittering  lights  by  thousands  formed  an 
imposing  contrast  with  the  miners,  ranked  round  it 
like  a  dark  wall.  Forthwith  arose  the  gayest  music 
as  accompaniment  to  becoming  songs.  Hollow  masses 
of  rock  came  forward  on  macliinery,  and  opened  a 
resplendent  interior  to  the  eye  of  the  delighted  specta- 
tor. Mimetic  exhibitions,  and  whatever  else  at  such 
a  moment  can  gratify  the  multitude,  combined  with 
all  this  at  once  to  excite  and  to  satisfy  a  cheerful 
attention. 

But  with  what  astonishment  was  Wilhelm  filled 
when,  on  being  introduced  to  the  superiors,  he  observed 
friend  Jarno  in  solemn,  stately  robes  among  the 
number.  "  Not  in  vain,"  cried  Jarno,  "  have  I  changed 
my  former  name  with  the  more  expressive  title  of 
Montan :  thou  findest  me  here  initiated  in  mountain 
and  cave ;  and  now,  if  questioned,  I  could  disclose  and 
explain  to  thee  much  that  a  year  ago  was  still  a  riddle 
to  myself." 

At  this  point  our  manuscripts  forsake  us :  of  the 
conversation  of  these  friends  there  is  nothing  specified ; 
as  httle  can  we  discover  the  connection  of  what  follows 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  159 

next,  —  an  incident  of  which  in  the  same  bundle,  in 
the  same  paper,  we  find  brief  notice :  That  a  meeting 
had  taken  place  between  our  wanderer  and  Lotliario 
and  the  abbd.  Unhappily,  in  this,  as  in  so  many 
other  leaves,  the  date  has  been  neglected. 

Some  passages,  introduced  rather  in  the  way  of 
exclamation  than  of  narrative,  point  to  the  high  mean- 
ing of  renunciation,  by  wliich  alone  the  first  real  en- 
trance into  life  is  conceivable.  Then  we  come  upon  a 
map,  marked  with  several  arrows  pointing  toward  one 
another ;  and  along  with  this  we  find,  in  a  certain 
sequence,  several  days  of  the  mouth  written  down  :  so 
that  we  might  fancy  ourselves  again  walking  in  the 
real  world,  and  moderately  certain  as  to  the  next  part 
of  our  friend's  route,  were  it  not  that  here  also  various 
marks  and  ciphers,  appended  in  dili'erent  ways,  awoke 
some  fear  that  a  secret  meaning  at  the  bottom  of  it 
would  for  ever  lie  hid  from  us. 

But  what  drives  us  out  of  all  historical  composure  is 
the  strange  circumstance,  tliat,  immediately  on  all  this, 
there  comes  in  the  most  improbable  narration,  of  a  sort 
like  those  tales  whereby  you  long  keep  the  hearer's 
curiosity  on  the  stretch  with  a  series  of  wonders,  and 
at  last  explain,  That  you  were  talking  of  a  dream. 
However,  we  shall  communicate  without  change  what 
lies  before  us : 

"  If  hitherto  we  had  continued  in  the  metalliferous 
part  of  the  mountains,  which,  externally,  is  soft,  and 
by  no  means  of  a  wild  aspect,  I  was  now  conducted 
through  precipitous  and  scarcely  passable  rocks  and 
chasms  :  at  last  I  gained  the  topmost  summit,  —  a  clitf, 
the  peak  of  which  afforded  room  only  for  a  single 
person,  who,  if  he  looked  down  from  it  into  the  horrid 
depth,  might  see  furious  mountain  torrents  foaming 
througli  black  abysses.  In  the  present  case  I  looked 
down  without  giddiness  or  terror,  for  I  was  hght  of 


i6o  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

heart ;  but  now  my  attention  fixed  itself  on  some  huge 
crags  rising  opposite  me,  precipitous  like  my  own,  yet 
offering  on  their  summits  a  larger  space  of  level. 
Though  parted  by  a  monstrous  chasm,  the  jutting 
masses  came  so  near  together  that  I  could  distinctly 
enough,  with  the  naked  eye,  observe  several  persons 
assembled  on  the  summit.  They  were,  for  most 
part,  ladies,  one  of  whom,  coming  forward  to  the  very 
verge,  awakened  in  me  double  and  treble  anxiety ;  as 
I  became  completely  convinced  that  it  was  Nataha 
herself.  The  danger  of  such  an  unexpected  interview 
increased  every  moment ;  but  it  grew  boundless  when 
a  perspective  came  before  my  eyes,  and  brought  me 
over  to  her,  and  her  over  to  me.  There  is  something 
magical  at  all  times  in  perspectives.  Were  we  not 
accustomed  from  youth  to  look  through  them,  we 
should  shudder  and  tremble  every  time  we  put  them 
to  our  eyes.  It  is  we  who  are  looking,  and  it  is  not 
we :  a  being  it  is  whose  organs  are  raised  to  a  higher 
pitch,  whose  hmitations  are  done  away,  who  has 
become  entitled  to  stretch  forth  into  infinitude. 

"  A^Tien,  for  example,  we  observe  far-distant  persons, 
by  means  of  such  an  instrument,  and  see  them  in  un- 
suspicious thoughtlessness  foUowmg  their  business  as  if 
they  were  solitary  and  unwatched,  we  could  almost  feel 
afraid  lest  they  might  discover  us,  and  indignantly 
upbraid  us  for  our  treacherous  curiosity. 

"And  so  likewise  did  I,  hemmed  in  by  a  strange 
feeling,  waver  between  proximity  and  distance,  and 
from  instant  to  instant  alternate  between  the  two. 

"  Those  others  in  their  turn  had  observed  us,  as  a 
signal  with  a  white  handkerchief  put  beyond  a  doubt. 
For  a  moment  I  delayed  in  my  answer  to  it,  finding 
myself  thus  close  beside  the  being  whom  I  adored. 
This  is  her  pure,  benign  form :  these  are  her  taper 
arms,  which  once  so  helpfully  appeared  before  me, 
after  unblessed  sorrows  and  perplexities,  and  at  last, 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  i6i 

too,  though  but  for  moments,  sympathisiugly  embraced 
me. 

"  I  saw  distinctly  enough  that  she,  ton,  had  a  per- 
spective, and  was  looking  over  to  me ;  and  I  tailed  not, 
by  such  tokens  as  st(jt)d  at  my  command,  to  express 
the  profession  of  a  true  and  heartfelt  attachment. 

"  And  as  experience  teaches  that  remote  objects, 
wliich  we  have  once  clearly  recognised  through  a  per- 
spective, afterward  appear,  even  to  the  naked  eye,  as  if 
standing  shaped  in  distinct  nearness,  be  it  that  more 
accurate  knowledge  sharpens  the  sense,  or  that  imagina- 
tion supplies  what  is  wanting ;  so  now  did  I  see  this 
beloved  being  as  accurately  and  distinctly  as  if  I  could 
have  touched  her,  though  her  company  continued  still 
irrecognisable.  And  as  I  was  trampling  round  my 
narrow  station,  struggHng  toward  her  the  more,  the 
abyss  was  like  to  swallow  me,  had  not  a  helpful  hand 
laid  hold  of  mine,  and  snatched  me  at  once  from  my 
danger  and  my  fairest  happiness." 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Heke  at  last  we  again  step  on  firmer  ground,  the 
localities  of  which  we  can  settle  with  some  probabihty  ; 
though  still  here  and  there  on  our  way  there  occur  a 
few  uncertainties,  which  it  is  not  in  our  power  alto- 
gether to  clear  up. 

As  Wilhelm,  in  order  to  reach  any  point  of  the  line 
marked  out  by  the  first  arrow,  had  to  proceed  obhquely 
through  the  country,  he  found  himself  necessitated  to 
perform  the  journey  on  foot,  leaving  his  luggage  to  be 
carried  after  him.  For  this  walk  of  his,  however,  he 
was  richly  rewarded ;  meeting  at  every  step,  quite  un- 
expectedly, with  loveliest  tracts  of  scenery.  They  were 
of  that  sort  which  the  last  slope  of  a  mountain  region 
forms  in  its  meeting  with  the  plain  country ;  bushy 
hills,  their  soft  declivities  employed  in  domestic  use ; 
all  level  spaces  green ;  nowhere  aught  steep,  unfruitful, 
or  unploughed  to  be  noticed.  Erelong  he  reached  the 
main  valley,  into  which  the  side-waters  flowed ;  and 
this,  too,  was  carefully  cultivated,  graceful  when  you 
looked  over  it,  with  taper  trees  marking  the  bends  of 
the  river,  and  of  the  brooks  which  poured  into  it.  On 
looking  at  his  map,  his  indicator,  he  observed  with 
surprise  that  the  line  drawn  for  Mm  cut  directly 
through  this  valley ;  so  that,  in  the  first  place,  he  was 
at  least  on  the  right  road. 

An  old  castle,  in  good  repair,  and  seemingly  built  at 
different  periods,  stood  forth  on  a  bushy  hill,  at  the 
foot  of  which  a  gay  hamlet  stretched  along,  with  its 

162 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  163 

large  inn  rising  prominent  among  the  other  houses. 
Hither  he  proceeded,  and  was  received  by  the  landlord 
kindly  enough,  yet  with  an  excuse  that  he  could  not  be 
admitted,  unless  by  the  permission  of  a  party  who  had 
hired  the  whole  establisiimuut  for  a  time  ;  on  which 
account  he,  the  landlord,  was  under  the  necessity  of 
sending  all  his  guests  to  the  older  inn,  wliich  lay 
farther  up  the  hamlet.  After  a  short  conference,  the 
man  seemed  to  bethink  himself,  and  said,  "  Indeed, 
there  is  no  one  of  them  at  home  even  now :  but  this  is 
Saturday,  and  the  bailiff  will  not  fail  to  be  here  soon ; 
he  comes  every  week  to  settle  the  accounts  of  the  last, 
and  make  arrangements  for  the  next.  Truly,  there  is  a 
fair  order  reigns  among  these  men,  and  a  pleasure  in 
having  to  do  with  them,  though  they  are  strict  enough ; 
for,  if  they  yield  one  no  great  profit,  it  is  sure  and  con- 
stant." He  then  desired  his  new  guest  to  amuse  him- 
self in  the  large  upper  hall,  and  await  what  further 
might  occur. 

Here  Wilhelm,  on  entering,  found  a  large,  clean 
apartment,  except  for  benches  and  tables  altogether 
empty.  So  much  the  more  was  he  surprised  to  see  a 
large  tablet  inserted  above  one  of  the  doors,  with  these 
words  marked  on  it  in  golden  letters,  Uhi  homines  sunt 
modi  sunt ;  wliich  in  modern  tongue  may  signify,  that, 
where  men  combine  in  society,  the  way  and  manner  in 
which  they  like  to  be  and  to  continue  together  is 
directly  established.  This  motto  made  our  wanderer 
think:  he  took  it  as  a  good  omen;  finding  here,  ex- 
pressed and  confirmed,  a  principle  which  he  had  often, 
in  the  course  of  life,  perceived  for  himself  to  be  further- 
some  and  reasonable.  He  had  not  waited  long  when 
the  bailiff  made  his  appearance  ;  who,  being  forewarned 
by  the  landlord,  after  a  short  conversation,  and  no  very 
special  scrutiny,  admitted  "VVilhelm  on  the  follo\\'ing 
terms:  To  continue  three  days;  to  participate  quietly 
in  whatever  should  occur ;  and,  happen  what  might,  to 


164  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

ask  no  questions  about  the  reason  ;  and,  at  taking  leave, 
to  ask  none  about  the  score.  All  this  our  traveller 
was  .obliged  to  comply  with,  the  deputy  not  being 
allowed  to  yield  in  a  single  point. 

The  bailiff  was  about  retiring,  when  a  sound  of  vocal 
music  rolled  up  the  stairs:  two  pretty  young  men 
entered  singing ;  and  these  the  baihff,  by  a  simple  sign, 
gave  to  understand  that  their  guest  was  accepted. 
Without  interrupting  their  song,  they  kindly  saluted 
the  stranger,  and  continued  their  duet  with  the  finest 
grace ;  showing  clearly  enough  that  they  were  well 
trained,  and  complete  masters  of  their  art.  As  Wil- 
helm  testified  the  most  attentive  interest,  they  paused, 
and  inquired,  If  in  his  own  pedestrian  wanderings  no 
song  ever  occurred  to  him,  which  he  went  along  singing 
by  himself ?  "A  good  voice,"  answered  Wilhelm, 
"  Nature  has  in  truth  denied  me :  yet  I  often  feel  as  if 
a  secret  Genius  were  whispering  some  rhythmic  words 
in  my  ear ;  so  that,  in  walking,  I  move  to  musical 
measure ;  fancjdng,  at  the  same  time,  that  I  hear  low 
tones  accompanying  some  song,  which,  in  one  way  or 
another,  has  pleasantly  risen  before  me." 

"  If  you  recollect  such  a  song,  write  it  down  for  us," 
said  they :  "  we  shaU  see  if  we  have  skill  to  accompany 
your  singing-demon."  He  took  a  leaf  from  his  note- 
book, and  handed  them  the  following  lines : 

"  From  the  mountains  to  the  champaign, 

By  the  glens  and  hills  along, 
Comes  a  rustling  and  a  tramping, 

Comes  a  motion  as  of  song ; 
And  this  undetermined  roving 

Brings  delight,  and  brings  good  heed: 
And  thy  striving,  be  't  with  loving. 

And  thy  living,  be  't  in  deed  !  " 

After  brief  study,  there  arose  at  once  a  gay,  march- 
ing melody,  which,  in  its  repetition  and  restriction  still 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  165 

steppin<^  forward,  luirried  on  the  hearer  with  it :  he  was 
in  doubt  wliether  this  was  his  own  tune,  his  former 
theme,  or  one  now  for  the  first  time  so  fitted  to  the 
words,  that  no  other  movement  was  conceivable.  The 
singers  had  for  some  time  pleasantly  proceeded  in  this 
manner,  when  two  stout  young  fellows  came  in,  whom, 
by  their  accoutrements,  you  directly  recognised  as  ma- 
sons ;  two  others,  who  followed  them,  being  as  evi- 
dently carpenters.  These  four,  softly  laying  down 
their  tools,  listened  to  the  music,  and  soon  struck  in 
with  sure  and  decided  voices ;  so  that  to  the  mind  it 
seemed  as  if  a  real  wayfaring  company  were  stepping 
along  over  hill  and  valley :  and  Wilhelm  thought  he 
had  never  heard  anything  so  graceful,  so  enlivening  to 
heart  and  mind.  This  enjoyment,  however,  was  to  be 
increased  yet  further,  and  raised  to  the  highest  pitch, 
by  the  entrance  of  a  gigantic  figure,  mounting  the  stairs 
with  a  hard,  firm  tread,  which,  with  all  his  efforts,  he 
could  scarcely  moderate.  A  heav}^-laden  dorsel  he 
directly  placed  in  the  corner :  himself  he  seated  on  a 
bench,  which  beginning  to  creak  under  his  weight,  the 
others  laughed,  yet  without  going  wrong  in  their  music, 
Wnhelm,  however,  was  exceedingly  surprised,  when, 
with  a  huge  bass  voice,  this  son  of  Anak  joined  in  also. 
The  hall  quivered ;  and  it  was  to  be  observed,  that  in 
his  part  he  altered  the  burden,  and  sang  it  thus : 

"  Life  *s  no  resting,  but  a  moving : 
Let  thy  life  be  deed  on  deed !  " 

Further,  you  could  very  soon  perceive  that  he  was 
drawing  down  the  time  to  a  slower  step,  and  forcing 
the  rest  to  follow  him.  Of  tliis,  when  at  last  they 
were  satisfied  and  had  concluded,  they  accused  him ; 
declaring  he  had  tried  to  set  them  wrong. 

"  Not  at  all !  "  cried  he  :  "  it  is  you  who  tried  to  set 
me  wrong,  to  put  me  out  of  my  own  step,  which  must 


1 66  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

be  measured  and  sure,  if  I  am  to  walk  with  my  load- 
ing up  hill  and  down  dale,  and  yet,  in  the  end,  arrive 
at  my  appointed  hour,  to  satisfy  your  wants." 

One  after  the  other  these  persons  now  passed  into 
an  adjoining  room  to  the  bailiff',  and  Wilhelm  easily 
observed  that  they  were  occupied  in  settling  accounts, 
—  a  point,  however,  as  to  which  he  was  not  allowed 
at  present  to  inquire  further.  Two  fair,  hvely  boys 
in  the  meanwhile  entered,  and  began  covering  a  table 
in  all  speed,  moderately  furnishing  it  with  meat  and 
wine ;  and  the  baihfi',  coming  out,  invited  them  all  to 
sit  down  along  with  him.  The  boys  waited,  yet  forgot 
not  their  own  concern,  but  enjoyed  their  share  in  a 
standing  posture.  Wilhelm  recollected  witnessing  sim- 
ilar scenes  during  his  abode  among  the  players ;  yet 
the  present  company  seemed  to  be  of  a  much  more 
serious  cast,  constituted,  not  out  of  sport,  for  show,  but 
with  a  view  to  important  concerns  of  life. 

The  conversation  of  the  craftsmen  with  the  bailiff 
added  strength  to  this  conviction.  These  four  active 
young  people,  it  appeared,  were  busy  in  the  neighbour- 
hood, where  a  violent  conflagration  had  destroyed  the 
fairest  village  in  the  country ;  nor  did  Wilhelm  fail  to 
learn  that  tlie  worthy  bailiff  was  employed  in  getting 
timber  and  other  building  materials  :  all  which  looked 
the  more  enigmatical,  as  none  of  these  persons  seemed 
to  be  resident  here,  but  in  all  other  points  announced 
themselves  as  transitory  strangers.  By  way  of  conclu- 
sion to  the  meal,  St.  Christopher  —  such  was  the  name 
they  gave  the  giant  —  brought  out,  for  good-night,  a 
dainty  glass  of  wine,  which  had  before  been  set  aside : 
a  gay  choral  song  kept  the  party  still  some  time  to- 
gether, after  they  were  out  of  sight ;  and  then  Wil- 
helm was  at  last  conducted  to  a  chamber  of  the 
loveliest  aspect  and  situation.  The  full  moon,  enhght- 
ening  a  rich  plain,  was  already  up ;  and  in  the  bosom 
of  our   wanderer  it   awoke   remembrances   of  similar 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  167 

scenes.  The  spirits  of  all  dear  friends  hovered  past 
him:  especially  the  image  of  Leuardo  rose  in  him  so 
vividly,  that  he  might  have  fancied  the  man  himself 
was  standing  before  his  eyes.  All  this  had  prepared 
him  with  its  kind  influences  for  niglitly  rest,  when,  on 
a  sudden,  there  arose  a  tone  of  so  strange  a  nature,  that 
it  almost  frightened  him.  It  sounded  as  from  a  dis- 
tance, and  yet  seemed  to  be  in  the  house  itself;  for 
the  building  quivered  many  times,  and  the  floors 
reverberated  when  the  sound  rose  to  its  highest  pitch. 
Wilhelm,  though  his  ear  was  usually  delicate  in  dis- 
criminating tones,  could  make  nothing  of  this :  he 
compared  it  to  the  droning  roar  of  a  huge  organ-pipe, 
which,  for  sheer  compass,  produces  no  determinate 
note.  Wliether  this  nocturnal  terror  passed  away 
toward  morning,  or  Wilhelm  by  degrees  became  ac- 
customed to  the  sound,  and  no  longer  heeded  it,  is 
difficult  to  discover ;  at  any  rate,  he  fell  asleep,  and 
was  in  due  time  pleasantly  awakened  by  the  rising 
sun. 

Scarcely  had  one  of  the  boys,  who  were  in  waiting, 
brought  him  breakfast,  when  a  figure  entered,  whom 
he  had  already  noticed  last  night  at  supper,  without 
clearly  ascertaining  his  quahty.  A  well-formed,  broad- 
shouldered,  yet  nimble  man,  who  now,  by  the  imple- 
ments which  he  spread  out,  announced  himself  as 
barber,  and  forthwith  prepared  for  performiQg  his 
much-desired  office  on  Wilhelm.  For  the  rest,  he 
was  quite  silent ;  and  with  a  light  hand  he  went 
through  his  task,  without  once  having  opened  liis  hps. 
Wilhelm,  therefore,  began,  and  said,  "  Of  your  art  you 
are  completely  master,  and  I  know  not  that  I  have 
ever  had  a  softer  razor  on  my  cheeks :  at  the  same 
time,  however,  you  appear  to  be  a  strict  observer  of 
the  laws  of  the  society." 

Roguishly  smiling,  laying  his  finger  on  his  lips,  the 
taciturn   shaver  glided  through  the    door.     "  By    my 


i68  MEISTER'S  TRAVELS 

sooth ! "  cried  Wilhelm  after  him,  "  I  think  you  must 
be  old  Redcloak ;  if  not  himself,  at  least  a  descendant 
of  his :  it  is  lucky  for  you  that  you  ask  no  counter 
service  of  me ;  your  turn  would  have  been  but  sorrily 
done." 

No  sooner  had  this  curious  personage  retired  than 
the  well-known  bailiff  came  in,  inviting  our  friend  to 
dinner  for  this  day,  in  words  which  sounded  pretty 
strange :  the  Bond,  so  said  the  speaker,  expressly,  gave 
the  stranger  welcome,  requested  his  company  at  dinner, 
and  took  pleasure  in  the  hope  of  being  more  closely 
connected  with  him.  Inquiries  were  then  made  as  to 
the  guest's  health,  and  how  he  was  contented  with  his 
entertainment ;  to  all  which  he  could  only  answer  in 
terms  of  satisfaction.  He  would,  in  truth,  have  liked 
much  to  ask  of  this  man,  as  previously  of  the  silent 
barber,  some  information  touching  the  horrid  sound 
which  throughout  the  night  had,  if  not  tormented,  at 
least  discomposed  Mm :  but,  mindful  of  his  engage- 
ment, he  f  orebore  all  questions ;  hoping,  that  without 
importunity,  from  the  good  will  of  the  society,  or  in 
some  other  accidental  way,  he  might  be  informed 
according  to  Ms  wishes. 

Our  friend  now,  when  left  alone,  began  to  reflect  on 
the  strange  person  who  had  sent  Mm  this  invitation, 
and  knew  not  well  what  to  make  of  the  matter.  To 
designate  one  or  more  superiors  by  a  neuter  noun 
seemed  to  Mm  a  somewhat  precarious  mode  of  speech. 
For  the  rest,  there  was  such  a  stillness  all  round  that 
he  could  not  recollect  of  ever  having  passed  a  stiller 
Sunday.  He  went  out  of  doors,  and,  hearing  a  sound 
of  bells,  walked  toward  the  village.  Mass  was  just 
over ;  and,  among  the  villagers  and  country  people 
crowding  out  of  church,  he  observed  three  acquaint- 
ances of  last  night,  —  a  mason,  a  carpenter,  and  a  boy. 
Farther  on  he  met  among  the  Protestant  worshippers 
the  other  corresponding  three.     How  the  rest  managed 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  169 

their  devotion  was  unknown  to  him ;  but  so  mucli  he 
thought  himself  entitled  to  conclude,  that  in  this 
society  a  full  rehgious  toleration  was  practised. 

About  mid-day,  at  the  castle  gate,  lie  was  met  by 
the  baihll',  who  then  conducted  him  through  various 
halls  into  a  large  ante-chamber,  and  there  desired  him 
to  take  a  seat.  Many  persons  passed  through  into  an 
adjoining  hall.  Those  already  known  were  to  be  seen 
among  them ;  St.  Christopher  himself  went  by :  all 
saluted  the  bailiff  and  tlie  stranger.  But  what  struck 
our  friend  most  in  this  affair  was,  that  the  whole  party 
seemed  to  consist  of  artisans,  all  dressed  in  the  usual 
fasliion,  though  extremely  neat  and  clean :  a  few 
among  the  number  you  might  at  most,  perhaps,  have 
reckoned  of  the  clerk  species. 

No  more  guests  now  making  their  appearance,  the 
bailiff  led  our  friend  through  the  stately  door  into  a 
spacious  hall.  Here  a  table  of  immense  length  had 
been  covered,  past  the  lower  end  of  which  he  was 
conducted  toward  the  head,  where  he  saw  three  per- 
sons standing  in  a  cross  direction.  But  what  was  his 
astonishment  when  he  approached,  and  Lenardo, 
scarcely  yet  recognised,  fell  upon  his  neck.  From 
this  surprise  he  had  not  recovered  when  another 
person,  with  no  less  warmth  and  vivacity,  likewise 
embraced  him;  announcing  himself  as  our  strange 
Friedrich,  Natalia's  brother.  The  rapture  of  these 
friends  diffused  itself  over  all  present :  an  exclama- 
tion of  joy  and  blessing  sounded  along  the  whole 
table.  But  in  a  moment,  the  company  being  seated, 
all  again  became  silent ;  and  the  repast,  served  up  with 
a  certain  solemnity,  was  enjoyed  in  like  manner. 

Toward  the  conclusion  of  the  ceremony  Lenardo 
gave  a  sign :  two  singers  rose,  and  Wilhelm  was  ex- 
ceedingly surprised  to  hear  in  this  place  his  yester- 
night's song;  which  we,  for  the  sake  of  what  follows, 
shall  beg  permission  to  insert  once  more : 


170  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

*<  From  the  mountains  to  the  champaign, 
By  the  glens  and  hills  along, 

Comes  a  rustlitig  and  a  tramping, 

■     Comes  a  motion  as  of  song ; 

And  this  undetermined  roving 

Brings  delight,  and  brings  good  heed  : 

And  thy  striving,  be  't  with  loving, 
And  thy  living,  be  't  in  deed  !  " 


Scarcely  had  this  duet,  accompanied  by  a  chorus  of 
agreeable  number,  approached  its  conclusion,  when  two 
other  singers  on  the  opposite  .side  started  up  impetu- 
ously, and,  with  earnest  vehemence,  inverted  rather 
than  continued  the  song ;  to  Wilhelm's  astonishment, 
proceeding  thus : 

"For  the  tie  is  snapped  asunder. 

Trust  and  loving  hope  are  fled  I 
Can  I  tell,  in  fear  and  wonder, 

With  what  dangers  now  bested? 
I,  cut  off  from  friend  and  brother, 

Like  the  widow  in  her  woe. 
With  the  one  and  not  the  other, 

On  and  on,  my  way  must  go  ! " 

The  chorus,  taking  up  this  strophe,  grew  more  and 
more  numerous,  more  and  more  vociferous ;  and  yet 
the  voice  of  St.  Christopher,  from  the  bottom  of  the 
table,  could  still  be  distinctly  recognised  among  them. 
The  lamentation  in  the  end  rose  almost  to  be  frightful : 
a  spirit  of  dispiritment,  combining  with  the  skilful 
execution  of  the  singers,  introduced  something  un- 
natural into  the  whole ;  so  that  it  pained  our  friend, 
and  almost  made  him  shudder.  In  truth,  they  all 
seemed  perfectly  of  one  mind,  and  as  if  lamenting 
their  own  fate  on  the  eve  of  a  separation.  The 
strange  repetitions,  the  frequent  resuscitation  of  a 
fatiguing  song,  at  length  became  dangerous  in  the 
eyes   of  the  Bond  itself :   Lenardo  rose ;    and   all  in- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  171 

staiitly  sat  down,  abruptly  breaking  off  their  liymn. 
The  other,  with  friendly  words,  thus  began : 

"  Indeed,  I  cannot  blame  you  for  continually  recall- 
ing to  your  minds  the  destiny  which  stands  before  us 
all,  that  so,  at  any  hour,  you  may  be  ready  for  it. 
If  aged  and  life-weary  men  have  called  to  their  neigh- 
bours, Think  of  dying !  we  younger  and  hfe-loving  men 
may  well  keep  encouraging  and  reminding  one  another 
with  the  cheerful  words,  Think  of  wandering !  Yet, 
withal,  of  a  thing  which  we  either  voluntarily  under- 
take, or  believe  ourselves  constrained  to,  it  were  well 
to  speak  with  cheerfulness  and  moderation.  You 
yourselves  know  best  what,  in  our  situation,  is  fixed, 
and  what  is  movable :  let  us  enjoy  the  former,  too,  in 
sprightly  and  gay  tones ;  and  to  its  success  be  this  part- 
ing cup  now  drunk  ! "  He  emptied  liis  glass  ancl  sat 
down :  the  four  singers  instantly  rose,  and  in  flowing, 
connected  tones,  thus  began  : 

"  Keep  not  standing,  fixed  and  rooted, 

Briskly  venture,  briskly  roam  : 
Head  and  hand,  where'er  tliou  foot  it, 

And  stout  heart,  are  still  at  home. 
In  each  land  the  sun  does  visit: 

We  are  gay  whate'er  betide. 
To  give  room  for  wand'ring  is  it 

That  the  world  was  made  so  wide." 

As  the  chorus  struck  in  with  its  repetition  of  these 
lines,  Lenardo  rose,  with  him  all  the  rest.  His  nod 
set  the  whole  company  into  singing  movement :  those 
at  the  lower  end  marched  out,  St.  Christopher  at  their 
head,  in  pairs  through  the  hall ;  and  the  uplifted 
wanderers'  song  gi-ew  clearer  and  freer  the  fartlier  they 
proceeded ;  producing  at  last  a  particularly  good  effect 
when  from  the  terraces  of  the  castle  garden  you  looked 
down  over  the  broad  valley,  in  whose  fulness  and 
beauty  you    might  well  have    Hked  to   lose  yourself. 


172  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

While  the  multitude  were  dispersing  this  way  and 
that,  according  to  their  pleasure,  Wilhelm  was  made 
acquainted  with  the  third  superior.  This  was  the 
Amtmann,  by  whose  kind  influence  many  favours  had 
been  done  the  society ;  in  particular,  the  castle  of  his 
patron,  the  count,  situated  among  several  families  of 
rank,  had  been  given  up  to  their  use  so  long  as  they 
might  think  fit  to  tarry  here. 

Toward  evening,  while  the  friends  were  in  a  farsee- 
ing  grove,  there  came  a  portly  figure  over  the  thresh- 
old, whom  Wilhelm  at  once  recognised  as  the  barber 
of  this  morning.  To  a  low,  mute  bow  of  the  man, 
Lenardo  answered,  "  You  now  come,  as  always,  at 
the  right  season,  and  will  not  delay  to  entertain  us 
with  your  talent.  I  may  be  allowed,"  continued  he, 
turning  toward  Wilhelm,  "  to  give  you  some  knowledge 
of  our  society,  the  Bond  of  which  I  may  flatter  myself 
that  I  am.  No  one  enters  our  circle  unless  he  have 
some  talents  to  show,  which  may  contribute  to  the  use 
or  enjoyment  of  society  in  general.  This  man  is  an 
excellent  surgeon ;  of  his  skill  as  a  beard-artist  you 
yourself  can  testify :  for  these  reasons,  he  is  no  less 
welcome  than  necessary  to  us.  Now,  as  his  employ- 
ment usually  brings  with  it  a  great  and  often  burden- 
some garruHty,  he  has  engaged,  for  the  sake  of  his  own 
culture,  to  comply  with  a  certain  condition ;  as,  indeed, 
every  one  that  means  to  live  with  us  must  agree  to 
constrain  himself  in  some  particular  point,  if  the 
greater  freedom  be  left  him  in  all  other  points.  Ac- 
cordingly, our  barber  has  renounced  the  use  of  his 
tongue,  in  so  far  as  aught  common  or  casual  is  to  be 
expressed  by  it :  but,  by  this  means,  another  gift  of 
speech  has  been  unfolded  in  him,  which  acts  by  fore- 
thought, cunningly  and  pleasurably ;  I  mean  the  gift 
of  narration. 

"  His  life  is  rich  in  wonderful  experiences,  which  he 
used    to  spht  in  pieces,  babbling  of  them  at   wrong 


MEISTER'S   TRAVELS  i73 

times;  but  which  he  now,  coustiained  by  silence, 
repeats  and  arranges  in  his  quiet  thought.  This  also 
his  power  of  imagination  now  forwards,  lending  life 
and  movement  to  past  occurrences.  With  no  common 
art  and  skill,  he  can  relate  to  us  genuine  antique  talcs, 
or  modern  stories  of  the  same  fal)ul()us  cast;  thereby, 
at  the  right  hour,  affording  us  a  most  pleasant  enter- 
tainment, when  I  loose  his  tongue  for  him,  —  which  I 
now  do  ;  giving  him,  at  the  same  time,  this  praise,  that, 
in  the  considerable  period  during  which  I  have  known 
him,  he  has  never  once  been  guilty  of  a  repetition.  I 
cannot  but  hope,  that  in  the  present  case,  for  love  and 
respect  to  our  dear  guest,  he  will  especially  distinguish 
himself." 

A  sprightly  cheerfulness  spread  over  Eedcloak's 
face;  and,  without  delay,  he  began  speaking  as 
follows. 


CHAPTER   XVL 

THE    NEW    MELUSINA. 

"  Respected  gentlemen !  Being  aware  that  pre- 
liminary speeches  and  introductions  are  not  much  to 
your  taste,  I  shall  without  further  talk  assure  you, 
that,  in  the  present  instance,  I  hope  to  fulfil  your  com- 
mission moderately  well.  From  me  has  many  a  true 
history  gone  forth  already,  to  the  high  and  universal 
satisfaction  of  hearers ;  but  to-day  I  may  assert,  that  I 
have  one  to  tell  which  far  surpasses  the  former,  and 
which,  though  it  happened  to  me  several  years  ago, 
still  disquiets  me  in  recollecting  it,  nay,  still  gives  hope 
of  some  further  development. 

"  By  way  of  introduction,  let  me  confess,  that  I  have 
not  always  so  arranged  my  scheme  of  life  as  to  be 
certain  of  the  next  period  in  it,  or  even  of  the  next 
day.  In  my  youth,  I  was  no  first-rate  economist,  and 
often  found  myself  in  manifold  perplexity.  At  one 
time  I  undertook  a  journey,  thinking  to  derive  good 
profit  in  the  course  of  it ;  but  the  scale  I  went  upon 
was  too  hberal :  and  after  having  commenced  my 
travel  with  extra-post,  and  then  prosecuted  it  for  a 
time  in  the  diligence,  I  at  last  found  myself  obliged  to 
front  the  end  of  it  on  foot. 

"  Like  a  gay  young  blade,  it  had  been  from  of  old 
my  custom,  on  entering  any  inn,  to  look  round  for  the 
landlady,  or  even  the  cook,  and  wheedle  myself  into 
favour  with  her ;  whereby,  for  most  part,  my  shot  was 
somewhat  reduced. 

174 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  I75 

"  One  night  at  dusk,  as  I  was  entering  the  post-house 
of  a  little  town,  and  purposing  to  set  abuut  my  eustom- 
ary  operations,  there  came  a  fair  double-seated  coach 
with  four  horses  rattling  up  to  the  door  behind  me.  I 
turned  round,  and  observed  in  it  a  young  lady,  with- 
out maid,  without  servants.  I  hastened  to  open  the 
carriage  for  her,  and  to  ask  if  I  could  help  her  in  any- 
thing. On  stepping  out,  a  fair  form  displayed  itself; 
and  her  lovely  countenance,  if  you  looked  at  it  nar- 
rowly, was  adorned  with  a  slight  shade  of  sorrow.  I 
again  asked  if  there  was  aught  I  could  do  for  her. 
'Oh,  yes!'  said  she,  'if  you  will  lift  that  little  box 
carefully,  which  you  will  find  standing  on  the  seat,  and 
bring  it  in ;  but  I  beg  very  much  of  you  to  carry  it 
with  all  steadiness,  and  not  to  move  or  shake  it  in  the 
least.'  I  took  out  the  box  with  gi-eat  care :  she  shut 
the  coach  door ;  we  walked  up-stairs  together,  and  she 
told  the  servants  that  she  was  to  stay  here  for  the 
night. 

"  We  were  now  alone  in  the  chamber :  she  desired 
me  to  put  the  box  on  the  table,  which  was  standing  at 
the  wall;  and  as,  by  several  of  her  movements,  I 
observed  that  she  wished  to  be  alone,  I  took  my  leave, 
reverently  but  warmly  kissing  her  hand. 

" '  Order  supper  for  us  two,'  said  she  then :  and  you 
may  well  conceive  with  what  pleasure  I  executed  the 
commission ;  scarcely  deigning,  in  my  pride  of  heart, 
to  cast  even  a  side-look  on  landlady  and  menials. 
With  impatience  I  expected  the  moment  that  was 
to  lead  me  back  to  her.  Supper  was  served :  we  took 
our  seats  opposite  each  other;  I  refreshed  my  heart, 
for  the  first  time  during  a  considerable  while,  with 
a  good  meal,  and  no  less  with  so  desirable  a  sight 
beside  me:  nay,  it  seemed  as  if  she  were  growing 
fairer  and  fairer  every  moment. 

"Her  conversation  was  pleasant,  yet  she  carefully 
waived  whatever  had  reference  to  affection  and  love. 


176  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

The  cloth  was  removed:  I  still  lingered,  I  tried  all 
sorts  of  manoeuvres  to  get  near  her,  but  in  vain ;  she 
kept  me  at  my  distance,  by  a  certain  dignity  which  I 
could  not  withstand :  nay,  against  my  will,  I  had  to 
part  from  her  at  a  rather  early  hour. 

"  After  a  night  passed  in  waking  or  unrestfully  dream- 
ing, I  rose  early,  inquired  whether  she  had  ordered 
horses ;  and,  learning  that  she  had  not,  I  walked  into 
the  garden,  saw  her  standing  dressed  at  the  window, 
and  hastened  up  to  her.  Here,  as  she  looked  so  fair, 
and  fairer  than  ever,  love,  roguery,  and  audacity  all  at 
once  started  into  motion  within  me :  I  rushed  toward 
her,  and  clasped  her  in  my  arms.  '  Angelic,  irresistible 
being,'  cried  I,  '  pardon !  but  it  is  impossible ! '  — 
With  incredible  dexterity  she  whisked  herself  out  of 
my  arms,  and  I  had  not  even  time  to  imprint  a  kiss  on 
her  cheek.  'Forbear  such  outbreakings  of  a  sudden 
fooHsh  passion,'  said  she,  '  if  you  would  not  scare  away 
a  happiness  which  lies  close  beside  you,  but  which 
cannot  be  laid  hold  of  till  after  some  trials.' 

" '  Ask  of  me  what  thou  pleasest,  angehc  spirit ! ' 
cried  I,  '  but  do  not  drive  me  to  despair.'  She 
answered,  with  a  smile,  '  If  you  mean  to  devote  your- 
self to  my  service,  hear  the  terms.  I  am  come  hither 
to  visit  a  lady  of  my  friends,  and  with  her  I  purpose 
to  continue  for  a  time :  in  the  meanwhile,  I  could  wish 
that  my  carriage  and  this  box  were  taken  forward. 
Will  you  engage  with  it  ?  You  have  nothing  to  do 
but  carefully  to  lift  the  box  into  the  carriage  and  out, 
to  sit  down  beside  it,  and  punctually  take  charge  that 
it  receive  no  harm.  When  you  enter  an  inn,  it  is  put 
upon  a  table,  in  a  chamber  by  itself,  in  which  you 
must  neither  sit  nor  sleep.  You  lock  the  chamber- 
door  with  this  key,  which  will  open  and  shut  any  lock, 
and  has  the  peculiar  property,  that  no  lock  shut  by  it 
can  be  opened  in  the  interim.' 

"  I  looked  at  her ;  I  felt  strangely  enough  at  heart ; 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  177 

I  promised  to  do  all,  if  I  nii^'ht  hope  to  see  her  soon, 
and  if  she  would  seal  this  hope  to  me  with  a  kiss. 
She  did  so,  and  from  that  moment  I  had  become 
entirely  her  bondman.  I  was  now  to  order  horses,  she 
said.  We  settled  the  way  I  was  to  take,  the  places 
where  I  was  to  wait,  and  expect  her.  She  at  last 
pressed  a  purse  of  gold  into  my  hand,  and  I  pressed 
my  lips  on  the  fair  hand  that  gave  it  me.  She  seemed 
moved  at  parting ;  and,  for  me,  I  no  longer  knew  what 
I  was  doing  or  was  to  do. 

"  On  my  return  from  giving  my  orders,  I  found  the 
room-door  locked.  I  directly  tried  my  master-key, 
and  it  performed  its  duty  perfectly.  The  door  flew  up : 
I  found  the  chamber  empty,  only  the  box  standing  on 
the  table  where  T  had  laid  it. 

"  The  carriage  drove  up :  I  carried  the  box  carefully 
down  with  me,  and  placed  it  by  my  side.  The  hostess 
asked,  '  But  where  is  the  lady  ? '  A  cliild  answered, 
'  She  is  gone  into  the  town.'  I  nodded  to  the  people, 
and  rolled  off  in  triumph  from  the  door  which  I  had 
last  night  entered  with  dusty  gaiters.  That  in  my 
hours  of  leisure  I  diligently  meditated  on  this  adven- 
ture, counted  my  money,  laid  many  schemes,  and  still 
now  and  then  kept  glancing  at  the  box,  you  will 
readily  imagine.  I  posted  right  forward,  passed  sev- 
eral stages  without  aUghting,  and  rested  not  till  I  had 
reached  a  considerable  town,  where  my  fair  one  had 
appointed  me  to  wait.  Her  commands  had  been 
pointedly  obeyed,  —  the  box  always  carried  to  a  sepa- 
rate room,  and  two  wax  candles  lighted  beside  it ;  for 
such,  also,  had  been  her  order.  I  would  then  lock  the 
chamber,  establish  myself  in  my  own,  and  take  such 
comfort  as  the  place  afforded. 

"  For  a  while  I  was  able  to  employ  myself  with 
thinking  of  her,  but  by  degrees  the  time  began  to 
hang  heavy  on  my  hands.  I  was  not  used  to  hve 
without    companions :  these   I   soon   found,  at   tables- 


178  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

d'hote,  in  coffee-houses,  and  public  places,  altogether 
to  my  wish.  In  such  a  mode  of  living,  my  money 
began  to  melt  away ;  and  one  night  it  vanished 
entirely  from  my  purse  in  a  fit  of  passionate  gaming, 
which  I  had  not  had  the  prudence  to  abandon.  Void 
of  money,  with  the  appearance  of  a  rich  man,  expecting 
a  heavy  bill  of  charges,  uncertain  whether  and  when 
my  fair  one  would  again  make  her  appearance,  I  felt 
myself  in  the  deepest  embarrassment.  Doubly  did  I 
now  long  for  her,  and  believe,  that,  without  her  and  her 
gold,  it  was  quite  impossible  for  me  to  live. 

"After  supper,  which  I  had  relished  very  httle, 
being  forced  for  this  time  to  consume  it  in  solitude,  I 
took  to  walking  violently  up  and  down  my  room :  I 
spoke  aloud  to  myself,  cursed  my  folly  with  horrid 
execrations,  threw  myself  on  the  floor,  tore  my  hair, 
and  indeed  behaved  in  the  most  outrageous  fashion. 
Suddenly,  in  the  adjoining  chamber  where  the  box 
was,  I  heard  a  slight  movement,  and  then  a  soft 
knocking  at  the  well-bolted  door,  wliich  entered  from 
my  apartment.  I  gather  myself,  gi'ope  for  my  mas- 
ter-key ;  but  the  door-leaves  fly  up  of  themselves,  and 
in  the  hght  of  those  burning  wax  candles  enters  my 
beauty.  I  cast  myself  at  her  feet,  kiss  her  robe,  her 
hands ;  she  raises  me ;  I  venture  not  to  clasp  her, 
scarcely  to  look  at  her,  but  candidly  and  repentantly 
confess  to  her  my  fault.  '  It  is  pardonable,'  said  she : 
'  only  it  postpones  your  happiness  and  mine.  You 
must  now  make  another  tour  into  the  world  before  we 
can  meet  again.  Here  is  more  money,'  continued  she, 
'  sufficient  if  you  husband  it  with  any  kind  of  reason. 
But,  as  wine  and  play  have  brought  you  into  this  per- 
plexity, be  on  your  guard  in  future  against  wine  and 
women,  and  let  me  hope  for  a  glad  meeting  when 
the  time  comes.' 

"  She  retired  over  the  threshold ;  the  door-leaves 
flew   together :  I  knocked,  I  entreated ;    but  nothing 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  I79 

furLlu'.r  stirred.  Next  raorning,  while  presenting  his 
bill,  the  waiter  smiled,  and  said,  '  So  we  have  found 
out  at  last,  then,  why  you  lock  your  d(jor  in  so  artful 
and  incomprehensible  a  way,  that  no  master-key  can 
open  it.  We  supposed  you  must  have  much  money 
and  precious  ware  laid  up  Ijy  you :  but  now  we  have 
seen  your  treasure  walking  down-stairs ;  and,  in  good 
truth,  it  seemed  worthy  of  being  well  kept.' 

"  To  this  I  answered  nothing,  but  paid  my  reckoning, 
and  mounted  with  my  box  into  the  carriage.  I  again 
rolled  forth  into  the  world,  with  the  firmest  resolution 
to  be  heedful  in  future  of  the  warning  given  me  by  njy 
fair  and  mysterious  friend.  Scarcely,  however,  had  I 
once  more  reached  a  large  town,  when  forthwith  I  got 
acquainted  with  certain  interesting  ladies,  from  whom 
I  absolutely  could  not  tear  myself  away.  They  seemed 
inclined  to  make  me  pay  dear  for  their  favour :  for, 
while  they  still  kept  me  at  a  certain  distance,  they  led 
me  into  one  expense  after  the  other ;  and  I,  being 
anxious  only  to  promote  their  satisfaction,  once  more 
ceased  to  think  of  my  purse,  but  paid  and  spent 
straightforward,  as  occasion  needed.  But  how  great 
was  my  astonishment  and  joy,  when,  after  some  weeks, 
I  observed  that  the  fulness  of  my  store  was  not  in  the 
least  diminished,  that  my  purse  was  still  as  round  and 
crammed  as  ever !  Wishing  to  obtain  more  strict 
knowledge  of  this  pretty  quahty,  I  set  myself  down  to 
count :  I  accurately  marked  the  sum,  and  again  pro- 
ceeded in  my  joyous  hfe  as  before.  We  had  no  want 
of  excursions  by  land,  and  excursions  by  water :  of 
dancing,  singing,  and  other  recreations.  But  now 
it  required  small  attention  to  observe  that  the  purse 
was  actually  diminisliing,  as  if  by  my  cursed  counting 
I  had  robbed  it  of  the  property  of  being  uncountable. 
However,  this  gay  mode  of  existence  had  been  once 
entered  on :  I  could  not  draw  back,  and  yet  my  ready 
money  soon  verged  to  a  close.     I  execrated  my  situa- 


i8o  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

tion ;  upbraided  my  fair  friend  for  having  so  led 
me  into  temptation ;  took  it  as  an  offence  that  she 
did  not  again  show  herself  to  me ;  renounced  in 
my  spleen  all  duties  toward  her ;  and  resolved  to 
break  open  the  box,  and  see  if  peradventure  any 
help  might  be  found  there.  I  was  just  about  pro- 
ceeding with  my  purpose :  but  I  put  it  off  till  night, 
that  I  might  go  through  the  business  with  full  com- 
posure ;  and,  in  the  meantime,  I  hastened  off"  to 
a  banquet,  for  which  this  was  the  appointed  hour. 
Here  again  we  got  into  a  high  key :  the  wine  and 
trumpet^sounding  had  flushed  me  not  a  httle,  when  by 
the  most  villanous  luck  it  chanced,  that,  during 
the  dessert,  a  former  friend  of  my  dearest  fair  one, 
returning  from  a  journey,  entered  unexpectedly,  placed 
himself  beside  her,  and,  without  much  ceremony,  set 
about  asserting  his  old  privileges.  Hence,  very  soon 
arose  ill-humour,  quarrelling,  and  battle :  we  plucked 
out  our  spits,  and  I  was  carried  home  half  dead 
of  several  wounds. 

"  The  surgeon  had  bandaged  me  and  gone  away ;  it 
was  far  in  the  night ;  my  sick-nurse  had  fallen  asleep ; 
the  door  of  the  side-room  went  up  ;  my  fair,  mysterious 
friend  came  in,  and  sat  down  by  me  on  the  bed.  She 
asked  how  I  was.  I  answered  not,  for  I  was  faint  and 
sullen.  She  continued  speaking  with  much  sympathy  : 
she  rubbed  my  temples  with  a  certain  balsam,  whereby 
I  felt  myself  rapidly  and  decidedly  strengthened,  —  so 
strengthened  that  I  could  now  get  angry  and  upbraid 
her.  In  a  violent  speech  I  threw  all  the  blame  of  my 
misfortune  on  her ;  on  the  passion  she  had  inspired  me 
with ;  on  her  appearing  and  vanishing ;  and  the  tedium, 
the  longing,  which,  in  such  a  case,  I  could  not  but  feel. 
I  waxed  more  and  more  vehement,  as  if  a  fever  had 
been  coming  on ;  and  I  swore  to  her  at  last,  that  if  she 
would  not  be  mine,  would  not  now  abide  with  me  and 
wed  me,  I  had  no  wish  to  Hve  any  longer :  to  all  which 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  i8i 

I  required  a  peremj)tory  answer.  As  she  lingered  and 
held  back  with  her  explanation,  I  got  altogether  beside 
myself,  and  lore  off  my  double  and  triple  bandages  in 
the  firmest  resolution  to  bleed  to  death,  liut  what 
was  my  amazement  when  I  found  all  my  wounds 
healed,  my  skin  smooth  and  entire,  and  this  fair  friend 
in  my  arms  ! 

"  Henceforth  we  were  the  happiest  pair  in  the  world. 
We  both  begged  pardon  of  each  other  without  either  of 
us  rightly  knowing  why.  She  now  promised  to  travel 
on  along  with  me ;  and  soon  we  were  sitting  side  by 
side  in  the  carriage,  the  little  box  lying  opposite  us  on 
the  other  seat.  Of  this  I  had  never  spoken  to  her,  nor 
did  I  now  think  of  speaking,  though  it  lay  there  before 
our  eyes:  and  both  of  us,  by  tacit  agreement,  took 
charge  of  it,  as  circumstances  might  require ;  I,  how- 
ever, still  carrying  it  to  and  from  the  carriage,  and 
busying  myself,  as  formerly,  with  the  locking  of  the 
doors. 

"  So  long  as  aught  remained  in  my  purse  I  had  con- 
tinued to  pay ;  but,  when  my  cash  went  down,  I  signi- 
fied the  fact  to  her.  '  That  is  easily  helped,'  said  she, 
pointing  to  a  couple  of  httle  pouches  fixed  at  the  top,  to 
the  sides  of  the  carriage.  These  I  had  often  observed 
before,  but  never  turned  to  use.  She  put  her  hand  into 
the  one,  and  pulled  out  some  gold  pieces,  as  from  the 
other  some  coins  of  silver  ;  thereby  showing  me  the  pos- 
sibihty  of  meeting  any  scale  of  expenditure  which  we 
might  choose  to  adopt.  And  thus  we  journeyed  on 
from  town  to  town,  from  land  to  land,  contented  with 
each  other  and  with  the  world ;  and  I  fancied  not  that 
she  would  again  leave  me,  the  less  so  that  for  some 
time  she  had  evidently  been  as  loving  wives  wish  to 
be,  a  circumstance  by  which  our  happiness  and  mutual 
affection  was  increased  still  further.  But  one  morning, 
alas !  she  could  not  be  found ;  and  as  my  actual  resi- 
dence, without  her  company,  became  displeasing,  I  again 


i82  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

took  the  road  with  my  box,  tried  the  virtue  of  the  two 
pouches,  aud  fouud  it  still  unimpaired. 

"  My  journey  proceeded  without  accident.  But  if  I 
had  hitherto  paid  little  heed  to  the  mysteries  of  my 
adventure,  expecting  a  natural  solution  of  the  whole, 
there  now  occurred  something  which  threw  me  into 
astonishment,  into  anxiety,  nay,  into  fear.  Being  wont, 
in  my  impatience  for  change  of  place,  to  hurry  forward 
day  and  night,  it  was  often  my  hap  to  be  travelhng 
in  the  dark,  and,  when  the  lamps  by  any  chance  went 
out,  to  be  left  in  utter  obscurity.  Once,  in  the  dead  of 
such  a  night,  I  had  fallen  asleep ;  and  on  awakening  I 
observed  the  glimmer  of  a  light  on  the  covering  of  my 
carriage.  I  examined  this  more  strictly,  and  found  that 
it  was  issuing  from  the  box,  in  which  there  seemed  to 
be  a  chink,  as  if  it  had  been  chapped  by  the  warm  and 
dry  weather  of  summer,  which  was  now  come  on.  My 
thoughts  of  jewels  again  came  into  my  head :  I  sup- 
posed there  must  be  some  carbuncle  lying  in  the  box, 
and  this  point  I  forthwith  set  about  investigating.  I 
postured  myself  as  well  as  might  be,  so  that  my  eye 
was  in  immediate  contact  with  the  chink.  But  how 
great  was  my  surprise  when  a  fair  apartment,  well 
lighted,  and  furnished  with  much  taste  and  even  cost- 
liness, met  my  inspection ;  just  as  if  I  had  been  look- 
ing down  through  the  opening  of  a  dome  into  a  royal 
saloon !  A  fire  was  burning  in  the  grate,  and  before  it 
stood  an  armchair.  I  held  my  breath,  and  continued 
to  observe.  And  now  there  entered  from  the  other  side 
of  the  apartment  a  lady  with  a  book  in  her  hand,  whom 
I  at  once  recognised  for  my  wife ;  though  her  figure 
was  contracted  into  the  extreme  of  diminution.  She 
sat  down  in  the  chair  by  the  fire  to  read ;  she  trimmed 
the  coals  with  the  most  dainty  pair  of  tongs ;  and, 
in  the  course  of  her  movements,  I  could  clearly  per- 
ceive that  this  fairest  little  creature  was  also  in  the 
family  way.     But  now  I  was  obliged  to  shift  my  con- 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  183 

strained  posture  a  little  ;  and  the  next  moment,  when 
I  bent  down  to  look  in  again,  and  convince  myself  that 
it  was  no  dream,  the  light  had  vanished,  and  my  eye 
rested  on  empty  darkness. 

"  How  amazed,  nay,  terrified,  I  was,  you  may  easily 
conceive.  I  started  a  thousand  thoughts  on  this  dis- 
covery, and  yet  in  truth  could  think  nothing.  In  the 
midst  of  this  I  fell  asleep,  and  on  awakening  I  fancied 
that  it  must  have  been  a  mere  dream  :  yet  I  felt  myself 
in  some  degree  estranged  from  my  fair  one  ;  and,  th(nigh 
I  watched  over  the  box  ]>ut  so  nmch  the  more  carefully, 
I  knew  not  whether  the  event  of  her  re-appearance  in 
human  size  was  a  thing  which  I  should  wish  or  dread. 

"  After  some  time  she  did  actually  re-appear.  One 
evening  in  a  white  robe  she  came  gliding  in ;  and,  as  it 
was  just  then  growing  tlusky  in  my  room,  she  seemed 
to  me  taller  than  when  I  had  seen  her  last:  and  I 
remembered  having  heard  that  all  beings  of  the  mer- 
maid and  gnome  species  increased  in  stature  very  per- 
ceptibly at  the  fall  of  night.  She  flew  as  usual  to  my 
arms,  but  I  could  not  with  right  gladness  press  her  to 
my  obstructed  breast. 

" '  My  dearest,'  said  she,  '  I  now  feel,  by  thy  recep- 
tion of  me,  what,  alas  !  I  already  knew  too  well.  Thou 
hast  seen  me  in  the  interim ;  thou  art  acquainted  with 
the  state  in  which,  at  certain  times,  I  find  myself :  thy 
happiness  and  mine  is  interrupted,  —  nay,  it  stands  on 
the  brink  of  being  annihilated  altogether.  I  must  leave 
thee,  and  I  know  not  whether  I  shall  ever  see  thee 
again.'  Her  presence,  the  grace  with  which  she  spoke, 
directly  banished  from  my  memory  almost  every  trace 
of  that  vision,  which,  indeed,  had  already  hovered  before 
me  as  little  more  than  a  dream.  I  addressed  her  with 
kind  vivacity,  convinced  her  of  my  passion,  assured  her 
that  I  was  innocent,  that  my  discovery  was  accidental, 
—  Il  short,  I  so  managed  it  that  she  appeared  com- 
posed, and  endeavoured  to  compose  me. 


l84  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

" '  Try  thyself  strictly,'  said  she,  '  whether  this  dis- 
covery has  not  hurt  thy  love ;  whether  thou  canst 
forget  that  I  live  in  two  forms  beside  thee ;  whether 
the  diminution  of  my  being  will  not  also  contract  thy 
affection.' 

"  I  looked  at  her ;  she  was  fairer  than  ever :  and  I 
thought  within  myself,  Is  it  so  great  a  misfortune,  after 
all,  to  have  a  wife  who  from  time  to  time  becomes  a 
dwarf,  so  that  one  can  carry  her  about  with  him  in 
a  casket  ?  Were  it  not  much  worse  if  she  became  a 
giantess,  and  put  her  husband  in  the  box  ?  My  gayety 
of  heart  had  returned.  I  would  not  for  the  whole 
world  have  let  her  go.  '  Best  heart,'  said  I,  '  let  us  be 
and  continue  ever  as  we  have  been.  Could  either  of 
us  wish  to  be  better  ?  Enjoy  thy  conveniency,  and  I 
promise  thee  to  guard  the  box  with  so  much  the  more 
faithfuhiess.  Why  should  the  prettiest  sight  I  have 
ever  seen  in  my  life  make  a  bad  impression  on  me  ? 
How  happy  would  lovers  be,  could  they  but  procure 
such  mmiature  pictures !  And,  after  all,  it  was  but  a 
picture,  a  little  sleight-of-hand  deception.  Thou  art 
trying  and  teasing  me,  but  thou  shalt  see  how  I  will 
stand  it.' 

" '  The  matter  is  more  serious  than  thou  thinkest,' 
said  the  fair  one :  '  however,  I  am  truly  glad  to  see 
thee  take  it  so  lightly ;  for  much  good  may  still  be 
awaiting  us  both.  I  will  trust  in  thee,  and  for  my 
own  part  do  my  utmost :  only  promise  me  that  thou 
wilt  never  mention  this  discovery  by  way  of  reproach. 
Another  prayer  likewise  I  most  earnestly  make  to 
thee :  Be  more  than  ever  on  thy  guard  against  wine 
and  anger.' 

"  I  promised  what  she  required ;  I  could  have  gone 
on  promising  to  all  lengths :  but  she  herseK  turned 
aside  the  conversation,  and  thenceforth  all  proceeded 
in  its  former  routine.  We  had  no  inducement  to  alter 
our  place  of  residence :  the  town  was  large,  the  society 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  185 

various  ;  aud  the  fine  season  gave  rise  to  many  an 
excursion  and  garden  festival. 

"  In  all  such  amusements  the  presence  of  my  wife 
was  welcome,  nay,  eagerly  desired,  by  women  as  well 
as  men.  A  kind,  insinuating  manner,  joined  with  a 
certain  dignity  of  bearing,  secured  to  her  on  all  hands 
praise  and  estimation.  Besides,  she  could  play  beauti- 
fully on  the  lute,  accompanying  it  with  her  voice ;  aud 
no  social  night  could  be  perfect  unless  crowned  by  the 
graces  of  this  talent. 

"  I  will  be  free  to  confess  that  I  never  cared  much 
for  music :  on  the  contrary,  it  has  always  rather  had  a 
disagreeable  effect  on  me.  My  fair  one  soon  noticed 
this ;  and  accorchngly,  when  by  ourselves,  she  never 
tried  to  entertain  me  by  such  means :  in  return,  how- 
ever, she  appeared  to  indemnify  herself  while  in  soci- 
ety, where,  indeed,  she  always  found  a  crowd  of 
admirers. 

"  And  now,  why  should  1  deny  it  ?  our  late  dialogue, 
in  spite  of  my  best  intentions,  had  by  no  means  sufficed 
to  settle  the  matter  within  me :  on  the  contrary,  my 
temper  of  mind  had  by  degrees  got  into  the  strangest 
tune,  almost  without  my  being  conscious  of  it.  One 
night,  in  a  large  company,  this  hidden  grudge  broke 
loose,  and,  by  its  consequences,  produced  to  myself  the 
greatest  damage. 

"  Wlieu  I  look  back  on  it  now,  I,  in  fact,  loved  my 
beauty  far  less  after  that  unlucky  discovery:  I  was 
also  growing  jealous  of  her,  —  a  whim  that  had  never 
struck  me  before.  This  night  at  table,  I  found  myself 
placed  very  much  to  my  mind  beside  my  two  neigh- 
bours, a  couple  of  ladies,  who,  for  some  time,  had 
appeared  to  me  very  charming.  Amid  jesting  and  soft 
small  talk,  I  was  not  sparing  of  my  wine  ;  while,  on 
the  other  side,  a  pair  of  musical  dilettanti  had  got  hold 
of  my  wife,  and  at  last  contrived  to  lead  the  company 
into  singing  separately  and  by  way  of  chorus.     Tliis 


i86  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

put  me  into  ill-humour.  The  two  amateurs  appeared 
to  me  impertinent ;  the  singing  vexed  me ;  and  when, 
as  my  turn  came,  they  even  requested  a  solo-strophe 
from  me,  I  grew  truly  indignant :  I  emptied  my  glass, 
and  set  it  down  again  with  no  soft  movement. 

"  The  grace  of  my  two  fair  neighbours  soon  pacified 
me,  but  there  is  an  evil  nature  in  wrath  when  once  it 
is  set  a-going.  It  went  on  fermenting  within  me, 
though  all  things  were  of  a  kind  to  induce  joy  and 
complaisance.  On  the  contrary,  I  waxed  more  splenetic 
than  ever  when  a  lute  was  produced,  and  my  fair  one 
began  fingering  it  and  singing,  to  the  admiration  of  all 
the  rest.  Unhappily  a  general  silence  was  requested. 
So,  then,  I  was  not  even  to  talk  any  more :  and  these 
tones  were  going  through  me  like  a  toothache.  Was 
it  any  wonder  that,  at  last,  the  smallest  spark  should 
blow  up  the  mine  ? 

"  The  songstress  had  just  ended  a  song  amid  the 
loudest  applauses,  when  she  looked  over  to  me ;  and 
this  truly  with  the  most  loving  face  in  the  world. 
Unluckily,  its  lovingness  could  not  penetrate  so  far. 
She  perceived  that  I  had  just  gulped  down  a  cup 
of  wine,  and  was  pouring  out  a  fresh  one.  With 
her  right  forefinger  she  beckoned  to  me  in  kind 
threatening.  '  Consider  that  it  is  wine  ! '  said  she,  not 
louder  than  for  myself  to  hear  it.  '  Water  is  for  mer- 
maids ! '  cried  I.  '  My  ladies,'  said  she  to  my  neigh- 
bours, '  crown  the  cup  with  all  your  gracefulness,  that 
it  be  not  too  often  emptied.'  — '  You  will  not  let  your- 
self be  tutored  ? '  whispered  one  of  them  in  my  ear. 
'  What  ails  the  dwarf  ? '  cried  I,  with  a  more  violent 
gesture,  in  which  I  overset  the  glass.  '  Ah,  what  you 
have  spilt ! '  cried  the  paragon  of  women  ;  at  the  same 
time  twanging  her  strings,  as  if  to  lead  back  the 
attention  of  the  company  from  tliis  disturbance  to 
herself.  Her  attempt  succeeded  ;  the  more  completely 
as  she  rose  to  her  feet,  seemingly  that  she  might  play 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  187 

with  greater  convenience,  and  in  tliis  attitude  continued 
prehuliiig. 

"  At  sight  of  tlie  red  wine  running  over  the  table- 
cloth, I  returned  to  myself.  I  perceived  the  great  fault 
I  had  been  guilty  of,  and  it  cut  me  through  the 
very  heart.  Never  till  now  had  music  had  an  efi"ect  on 
me  :  the  first  verse  she  sang  was  a  friendly  good-night 
to  the  company,  here  as  they  were,  as  they  might  still 
feel  themselves  together.  With  the  next  verse  they 
became  as  if  scattered  asunder :  each  felt  himself  soK- 
tary,  separated,  no  one  could  fancy  that  he  was  present 
any  longer.  But  what  shall  I  say  of  the  last  verse  ?  It 
was  directed  to  me  alone,  the  voice  of  injured  love 
bidding  farewell  to  moroseness  and  caprice. 

"  In  silence  I  conducted  her  home,  foreboding  no 
good.  Scarcely,  however,  had  we  reached  our  chamber, 
when  she  began  to  show  herself  exceedingly  kind  and 
graceful,  —  nay,  even  roguish :  she  made  me  the  happi- 
est of  all  men. 

"  Next  morning,  in  high  spirits  and  full  of  love, 
I  said  to  her,  '  Thou  hast  so  often  sung,  when  asked  in 
company  ;  as,  for  example,  thy  touching  farewell  song 
last  night.  Come  now,  for  my  sake,  and  sing  me 
a  dainty,  gay  welcome  to  this  morning  hour,  that 
we  may  feel  as  if  we  were  meeting  for  the  first 
time.' 

" '  That  I  cannot  do,  my  friend,'  said  she  seriously. 
'  The  song  of  last  night  referred  to  our  parting,  which 
must  now  forthwith  take  place  ;  for  I  can  only  tell 
thee,  the  violation  of  thy  promise  and  oath  will  have 
the  worst  consequences  for  us  both :  thou  hast  scoffed 
away  a  great  felicity ;  and  I,  too,  must  renounce  my 
dearest  wishes.' 

"  As  I  now  pressed  and  entreated  her  to  explain 
herself  more  clearly,  she  answered,  '  That,  alas !  I 
can  well  do ;  for,  at  all  events,  my  continuance  with 
thee  is  over.     Hear,  then,  what  I  would  rather  have 


1 88  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

concealed  to  the  latest  times.  The  form  under  which 
thou  sawest  me  in  the  box  is  my  natural  and  proper 
form ;  for  I  am  of  the  race  of  King  Eckwald,  the  dread 
sovereign  of  the  dwarfs,  concerning  whom  authentic 
liistory  has  recorded  so  much.  Our  people  are  still,  as 
of  old,  laborious  and  busy,  and  therefore  easy  to 
govern.  Thou  must  not  fancy  that  the  dwarfs  are 
behindhand  in  their  manufacturing  skill.  Swords 
which  followed  the  foe,  when  you  cast  them  after 
liim  ;  invisible  and  mysteriously  binding  chains ;  im- 
penetrable shields,  and  such  hke  ware,  in  old  times,  — 
formed  their  staple  produce.  But  now  they  chiefly 
employ  themselves  with  articles  of  convenience  and 
ornament,  in  which  truly  they  surpass  all  people  of  the 
earth.  I  may  well  say,  it  would  astonish  thee  to  w^alk 
through  our  workshops  and  warehouses.  All  this 
would  be  right  and  good,  were  it  not  that  with  the 
whole  nation  in  general,  but  more  particularly  with 
the  royal  family,  there  is  one  pecuhar  circumstance 
connected.' 

"  She  paused  for  a  moment,  and  I  again  begged  fur- 
ther light  on  these  wonderful  secrets  ;  which,  accord- 
ingly, she  forthwith  proceeded  to  grant. 

" '  It  is  well  known,'  said  she,  '  that  God,  so  soon 
as  he  had  created  the  world,  and  the  ground  was 
dry,  and  the  mountains  were  standing  bright  and 
glorious,  that  God,  I  say,  thereupon,  in  the  very  first 
place,  created  the  dwarfs,  to  the  end  that  there  might 
he  reasonable  beings  also,  who,  in  their  passages  and 
chasms,  might  contemplate  and  adore  his  wonders 
in  the  inward  parts  of  the  earth.  It  is  further  well 
known,  that  this  little  race  by  degrees  became  uphfted 
in  heart,  and  attempted  to  acquire  the  dominion  of  the 
earth ;  for  which  reason  God  then  created  the  dragons, 
in  order  to  drive  back  the  dwarfs  into  their  mountains. 
Now,  as  the  dragons  themselves  were  wont  to  nestle  in 
the   large  caverns  and   clefts,   and   dwell  there;    and 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  189 

many  of  them,  too,  were  in  tlie  habit  of  spitting 
fire,  and  working  much  other  mischief,  —  the  po(jr 
little  dwarfs  were  by  this  means  thrown  into  exceeding 
straits  and  distress  :  so  that,  not  knowing  what  in  the 
world  to  do,  tliey  humbly  and  fervently  turned  to 
God,  and  called  to  him  in  prayer,  that  he  would 
vouchsafe  to  abolish  tliis  unclean  dragon  generation. 
But  though  it  consisted  not  with  his  wisdom  to 
destroy  liis  own  creatures,  yet  the  heavy  suH'erings 
of  the  poor  dwarfs  so  moved  his  compassion,  that  anon 
he  created  the  giants,  ordaining  them  to  fight  these 
dragons,  and,  if  not  root  them  out,  at  least  lessen  their 
numbers. 

" '  Now,  no  sooner  had  the  giants  got  moderately 
well  through  with  the  dragons,  than  their  hearts 
also  began  to  wax  wanton :  and,  in  their  presumption, 
they  practised  much  tyranny,  especially  on  the  good 
little  dwarfs,  who  then  once  more  in  their  need  turned 
to  the  Lord ;  and  he,  by  the  power  of  his  hand,  created 
the  knights,  who  were  to  make  war  on  the  giants 
and  dragons,  and  to  Uve  in  concord  with  the  dwarfs. 
Hereby  was  the  work  of  creation  completed  on  this 
side ;  and  it  is  plain,  that  henceforth  giants  and 
dragons,  as  well  as  knights  and  dwarfs,  have  always 
maintained  themselves  in  being.  From  this,  my  friend, 
it  will  be  clear  to  thee  that  we  are  of  the  oldest 
race  on  the  earth,  —  a  circumstance  which  does  us 
honour,  but  at  the  same  time  brings  great  disadvantage 
along  with  it. 

" '  For  as  there  is  nothing  in  the  world  that  can 
endure  for  ever,  but  all  that  has  once  been  great  must 
become  httle  and  fade,  it  is  our  lot,  also,  that,  ever 
since  the  creation  of  the  world,  we  have  been  waning, 
and  gi'owing  smaller,  —  especially  the  royal  family,  on 
whom,  by  reason  of  their  pure  blood,  this  destiny 
presses  with  the  heaviest  force.  To  remedy  this  evil, 
our  wise  teachers  have   many  years  ago  devised  the 


190  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

expedient  of  sending  forth  a  princess  of  the  royal 
house  from  time  to  time  into  the  world,  to  wed  some 
honourable  knight,  that  so  the  dwarf  progeny  may 
be  refected,  and  saved  from  entire  decay.' 

"  Though  my  fair  one  related  these  things  with  an  air 
of  the  utmost  sincerity,  I  looked  at  her  hesitatingly  ; 
for  it  seemed  as  if  she  meant  to  palm  some  fable  on 
me.  As  to  her  own  dainty  lineage  I  had  not  the 
smallest  doubt ;  but  that  she  should  have  laid  hold 
of  me  in  place  of  a  knight  occasioned  some  mistrust, 
seeing  I  knew  myself  too  well  to  suppose  that  my 
ancestors  had  come  into  the  world  by  an  immediate 
act  of  creation. 

"  I  concealed  my  wonder  and  scepticism,  and  asked 
her  kindly,  '  But  tell  me,  my  dear  child,  how  hast  thou 
attained  this  large  and  stately  shape  ?  For  I  know 
few  women  that  in  richness  of  form  can  compare  with 
thee.'  — '  Thou  shalt  hear,'  repHed  she.  '  It  is  a  settled 
maxim  in  the  council  of  the  dwarf  kings,  that  this 
extraordinary  step  be  forborne  as  long  as  it  possibly 
can ;  which,  indeed,  I  cannot  but  say  is  quite  natural 
and  proper.  Perhaps  they  might  have  hesitated  still 
longer  had  not  my  brother,  born  after  me,  come  into 
the  world  so  exceedingly  small  that  the  nurses  actually 
lost  him  out  of  his  swaddhng-clothes ;  and  no  creature 
yet  knows  whither  he  is  gone.  On  this  occurrence, 
unexampled  in  the  annals  of  dwarfdom,  the  sages  were 
assembled ;  and,  without  more  ado,  the  resolution  was 
taken,  and  I  sent  out  in  quest  of  a  husband.' 

" '  .The  resolution  ! '  exclaimed  I,  '  that  is  all  ex- 
tremely well.  One  can  resolve,  one  can  take  his 
resolution ;  but,  to  gave  a  dwarf  this  heavenly  shape, 
how  did  your  sages  manage  that  ? ' 

" '  It  had  been  provided  for  already,'  said  she,  '  by 
our  ancestors.  In  the  royal  treasury  lay  a  monstrous 
gold  ring.  I  speak  of  it  as  it  then  appeared  to  me, 
when  I  saw  it  in  my  childhood ;  for  it  was  this  same 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  191 

ring  which  I  have  liere  on  my  finger.     We  now  went 
to  work  as  follows. 

"  •  I    was    informed    of    all    that   awaited    me,    and 
instructed    what    I    had    to    do    and    to    forbear.       A 
splendid    palace,    after    the    pattern    of    my    father's 
favourite  summer  residence,   was   then   got   ready, — 
a   main   edifice,  wings,  and   whatever  else   you  could 
think  of.     It  stood  at  the   entrance  of  a  large  rock- 
cleft,    which    it    decorated    in    the   handsomest    style. 
On  the  appointed  day  our  court   moved   thither,  my 
parents,   also,  and   myself.     The   army   paraded ;  and 
four  and  twenty  priests,  not  without  difficulty,  carried 
on  a  costly  litter  the  mysterious  ring.     It  was  placed 
on  the  threshold  of  the  building,  just  wdthin  the  spot 
where  you  entered.     Many  ceremonies  were  observed ; 
and,  after  a  pathetic  farewell,  I  proceeded  to  my  task. 
I  stepped  forward  to  the  ring,  laid  my  finger  on  it,  and 
that  instant  began  perceptibly  to  wax  in  stature.     In 
a  few  moments   I  had  reached  my  present  size,  and 
then  I  put  the  ring  on  my  finger.     But  now,  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye,  the  doors,  windows,  gates,  flapped 
to ;  the  wings  drew  up  into  the  body  of  the  edifice ; 
instead  of  a  palace  stood  a  little  box  beside  me,  which 
I  forthwith  lifted,  and  carried  off  with  me,  not  without 
a  pleasant  feeling  in  being  so  tall  and  strong.     Still, 
indeed,  a  dwarf  to  trees  and  mountains,  to   streams, 
and  tracts  of  land,  yet  a  giant  to  gi-ass  and  herbs,  and, 
above  all,  to  ants,  from  whom  we  dwarfs,  not  being 
always    on   the    best    terms   with   them,    often   suffer 
considerable  annoyance. 

" '  How  it  fared  with  me  on  my  pilgrimage,  I  might 
tell  thee  at  great  length.  Suffice  it  to  say  I  tried 
many,  but  no  one  save  thou  seemed  worthy  of  being 
honoured  to  renovate  and  perpetuate  the  line  of  the 
glorious  Eckwald.' 

"  In  the  course  of  these  narrations  my  head  had 
now  and  then  kept  wagging,  without  myself  having 


192  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

absolutely  shaken  it.  I  put  several  questions,  to 
which  I  received  no  very  satisfactory  answers :  on  the 
contrary,  I  learned,  to  my  great  affliction,  that  after 
what  had  happened  she  must  needs  return  to  her 
parents.  She  had  hopes  still,  she  said,  of  getting  back 
to  me :  but,  for  the  present,  it  was  indispensably  neces- 
sary to  present  herself  at  court ;  as  otherwise,  both  for 
her  and  me,  there  was  nothing  but  utter  ruin.  The 
purses  would  soon  cease  to  pay,  and  who  knew  what 
all  would  be  the  consequences  ? 

"  On  hearing  that  our  money  would  run  short,  I 
inquired  no  further  into  consequences ;  I  shrugged  my 
shoulders ;  I  was  silent,  and  she  seemed  to  under- 
stand me. 

"  We  now  packed  up,  and  got  into  our  carriage,  the 
box  standing  opposite  us ;  in  which,  however,  I  could 
stni  see  no  symptoms  of  a  palace.  In  this  way  we 
proceeded  several  stages.  Post-money  and  drink- 
money  were  readily  and  richly  paid  from  the  pouches 
to  the  right  and  left,  till  at  last  we  reached  a  moun- 
tainous district ;  and  no  sooner  had  we  ahghted  here 
than  my  fair  one  walked  forward,  directing  me  to 
follow  her  with  the  box.  She  led  me  by  rather  steep 
paths  to  a  narrow  plot  of  green  ground,  through  which 
a  clear  brook  now  gushed  in  little  falls,  now  ran  in 
quiet  windings.  She  pointed  to  a  httle  knoll,  bade 
me  set  the  box  down  there,  then  said,  '  Farewell ! 
Thou  wilt  easily  find  the  way  back ;  remember  me ; 
I  hope  to  see  thee  again.' 

"  At  this  moment  I  felt  as  if  I  could  not  leave  her. 
She  was  just  now  in  one  of  her  fine  days,  or,  if  you 
will,  her  fine  hours.  Alone  with  so  fair  a  being,  on 
the  greensward,  among  grass  and  flowers,  girt  in 
by  rocks,  waters  murmuring  round  you,  what  heart 
could  have  remained  insensible !  I  came  forward  to 
seize  her  hand,  to  clasp  her  in  my  arms ;  but  she 
motioned  me  back,  threatening  me,  though  still  kindly 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  193 

enough,  with  great  danger  if  I  did  not  instantly 
withdraw. 

" '  Is  there  not  any  possibility,'  exclaimed  I,  '  of  my 
staying  with  thee,  of  tliy  keejnng  me  beside  thee  ? ' 
These  words  1  uttered  with  such  rueful  tones  and 
gestures,  that  she  seemed  touched  by  them,  and  after 
some  thought  confessed  to  me  that  a  continuance  of 
our  union  was  not  entirely  impossible.  Who  happier 
than  I !  My  importunity,  which  increased  every 
moment,  compelled  her  at  last  to  come  out  with  her 
scheme,  and  inform  me,  that  if  I,  too,  could  resolve 
on  becoming  as  little  as  I  had  once  seen  her,  I  might 
still  remain  with  her,  be  admitted  to  her  house,  her 
kingdom,  her  family.  The  proposal  was  not  altogether 
to  my  mind,  yet  at  this  moment  I  positively  could 
not  tear  myself  away :  so,  having  already  for  a  good 
while  been  accustomed  to  the  marvellous,  and  being 
at  all  times  prone  to  bold  enterprises,  I  closed  with 
her  offer,  and  said  she  might  do  with  me  as  she 
pleased. 

"  I  was  thereupon  directed  to  hold  out  the  little 
finger  of  my  right  hand :  she  placed  her  own  against 
it ;  then,  with  her  left  hand,  she  quite  softly  pulled 
the  ring  from  her  finger,  and  let  it  run  along  mine. 
That  instant  I  felt  a  violent  twinge  on  my  finger :  the 
ring  shrunk  together,  and  tortured  me  horridly.  I 
gave  a  loud  cry,  and  caught  round  me  for  my  fair 
one ;  but  she  had  disappeared.  What  state  of  mind 
I  was  in  during  this  moment,  I  find  no  words  to 
express  :  so  I  have  nothing  more  to  say  but  that  I 
very  soon,  in  my  miniature  size,  found  myself  beside 
my  fair  one  in  a  wood  of  grass-stalks.  The  joy  of 
meeting  after  this  short  yet  most  strange  separation, 
or,  if  you  will,  of  this  reunion  without  separation, 
exceeds  all  conception.  I  fell  on  her  neck :  she 
replied  to  my  caresses,  and  the  little  pair  was  as 
happy  as  the  the  large  one. 


194  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  With  some  difficulty  we  now  mounted  a  hill : 
I  say  difficulty,  because  the  sward  had  become  for 
us  an  almost  impenetrable  forest.  Yet  at  length  we 
reached  a  bare  space ;  and  how  surprised  was  I  at 
perceiving  there  a  large,  bolted  mass,  which,  erelong, 
I  could  not  but  recognise  for  the  box  in  the  same 
state  as  when  I  had  set  it  down. 

" '  Go  up  to  it,  my  friend,'  said  she,  '  and  do  but 
knock  with  the  ring :  thou  shalt  see  wonders.'  I 
went  up  accordingly ;  and  no  sooner  had  I  rapped, 
than  I  did,  in  fact,  witness  the  greatest  wonder.  Two 
wings  came  jutting  out ;  and  at  the  same  time  there 
fell,  hke  scales  and  chips,  various  pieces  this  way  and 
that :  while  doors,  windows,  colonnades,  and  all  that 
belongs  to  a  complete  palace,  at  once  came  into  view. 

"  If  ever  you  have  seen  one  of  Rontgen's  desks,  — 
how,  at  one  pull,  a  multitude  of  springs  and  latches 
get  in  motion,  and  writing-board  and  writing  mate- 
rials, letter  and  money  compartments,  all  at  once,  or 
in  quick  succession,  start  forward,  —  you  will  partly 
conceive  how  this  palace  unfolded  itself,  into  which 
my  sweet  attendant  now  introduced  me.  In  the  large 
saloon  I  directly  recognised  the  fireplace  which  I  had 
formerly  seen  from  above,  and  the  chair  in  which  she 
had  then  been  sitting.  And,  on  looking  up,  I  actually 
fancied  I  could  still  see  something  of  the  chink  in  the 
dome,  through  which  I  had  peeped  in.  I  spare  you 
the  description  of  the  rest :  in  a  word,  all  was  spa- 
cious, splendid,  and  tasteful.  Scarcely  had  I  recovered 
from  my  astonishment,  when  I  heard  afar  off  a  sound 
of  military  music.  My  better  half  sprang  up,  and 
with  rapture  announced  to  me  the  approach  of  his 
Majesty  her  father.  We  stepped  out  to  the  thresh- 
old, and  here  beheld  a  magnificent  procession  moving 
toward  us  from  a  considerable  cleft  in  the  rock. 
Soldiers,  servants,  officers  of  state,  and  glittering 
courtiers,  followed  in  order.     At  last  you  observed  a 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  195 

golden  thronj,',  and  in  the  midst  of  it  the  king  him- 
self. So  .soon  us  the  whole  procession  had  drawn  up 
before  the  palace,  the  king,  with  his  nearest  retinue, 
stepped  forward.  His  loving  daughter  hastened  out 
to  him,  pulling  me  along  with  her.  We  threw  our- 
selves at  liis  feet :  he  raised  me  very  graciously ;  and, 
on  coming  to  stand  before  him,  I  perceived,  tliat  in 
this  little  world  I  was  still  the  most  considerable 
figure.  We  proceeded  together  to  the  palace,  where 
his  Majesty,  in  presence  of  his  whole  court,  was  pleased 
to  welcome  me  with  a  well-studied  oration,  in  w^hich 
he  expressed  his  surprise  at  finding  us  here,  acknowl- 
edged me  as  his  son-in-law,  and  appointed  the  nuptial 
ceremony  to  take  place  on  the  morrow. 

"  A  cold  sweat  went  over  me  as  I  heard  him  speak 
of  marriage ;  for  I  dreaded  this  even  more  than  music, 
which  had,  of  old,  appeared  to  me  the  most  hateful 
thing  on  earth.  Your  music-makers,  I  used  to  say, 
enjoy  at  least  the  conceit  of  being  in  unison  with  each 
other,  and  working  in  concord ;  for  when  they  have 
tweaked  and  tuned  long  enough,  grating  our  ears  with 
all  manner  of  screeches,  they  beheve  in  their  hearts 
that  the  matter  is  now  adjusted,  and  one  instrument 
accurately  suited  to  the  other.  The  band-master  liim- 
self  is  in  this  happy  delusion ;  and  so  they  set  forth 
joyfully,  though  still  tearing  our  nerves  to  pieces.  In 
the  marriage  state,  even  this  is  not  the  case ;  for 
although  it  is  but  a  duet,  and  you  might  think  two 
voices,  or  even  two  instruments,  might  in  some  degree 
be  attuned  to  each  other,  yet  this  happens  very  seldom  : 
for  wliile  the  man  gives  out  one  tone,  the  wife,  directly 
takes  a  higher  one,  and  the  man  again  a  higher ;  and 
so  it  rises  from  the  chamber  to  the  choral  pitch,  and 
farther  and  farther,  till  at  last  not  even  wind-instru- 
ments can  reach  it.  And  now,  as  I  loathe  harmon- 
ical  music,  it  cannot  be  surprising  that  disharmonical 
should  be  a  tiling  which   I  cannot  endure. 


196  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  Of  all  the  festivities  in  wliich  the  day  was  spent,  I 
shall  and  can  not  give  an  account ;  for  I  paid  small 
heed  to  them.  The  sumptuous  victuals,  the  generous 
wine,  the  royal  amusements,  I  could  not  relish.  I  kept 
thinking  and  considering  what  I  was  to  do.  Here, 
however,  there  was  but  little  to  be  considered.  I  de- 
termined, once  for  all,  to  take  myself  away,  and  hide 
somewhere.  Accordingly,  I  succeeded  in  reaching  the 
chink  of  a  stone,  where  I  intrenched  and  concealed  my- 
self as  well  as  might  be.  My  first  care  after  this  was 
to  get  the  unhappy  ring  off  my  finger,  —  an  enterprise, 
however,  which  would  by  no  means  prosper ;  for,  on 
the  contrary,  I  felt  that  every  pull  I  gave,  the  metal 
grew  straiter,  and  cramped  me  with  violent  pains, 
which  again  abated  so  soon  as  I  desisted  from  my 
purpose. 

"  Early  in  the  morning  I  awoke  (for  my  httle  person 
had  slept,  and  very  soundly),  and  was  just  stepping  out 
to  look  farther  about  me,  when  I  felt  a  kind  of  rain 
coming  on.  Through  the  grass,  flowers,  and  leaves, 
there  fell,  as  it  were,  something  like  sand  and  grit  in 
large  quantities ;  but  what  was  my  horror  when  the 
whole  of  it  became  ahve,  and  an  innumerable  host  of 
ants  rushed  down  on  me !  No  sooner  did  they  observe 
me  than  they  made  an  attack  on  all  sides  ;  and,  though 
I  defended  myself  stoutly  and  gallantly  enough,  they 
at  last  so  hemmed  me  in,  so  nipped  and  pinched  me, 
that  I  was  glad  to  hear  them  calhng  to  surrender.  I 
surrendered  instantly  and  wholly,  whereupon  an  ant  of 
respectable  stature  approached  me  with  courtesy,  nay, 
with  reverence,  and  even  recommended  itself  to  my 
good  graces.  I  learned  that  the  ants  had  now  become 
alHes  of  my  father-in-law,  and  by  him  been  called  out 
in  the  present  emergency,  and  commissioned  to  fetch 
me  back.  Here,  then,  was  httle  I  in  the  hands  of 
creatures  still  less.  I  had  nothing  for  it  but  looking 
forward    to    the   marriage ;   nay,    I   must    now   thank 


meister's  travels  197 

Heaven  if  my  father-in-law  were  not  wroth,  if  my  fair 
one  had  not  taken  the  sulleus. 

"  Let  me  skip  over  the  whole  train  of  ceremonies : 
in  a  word,  we  were  wedded.  Gayly  and  joyously  as 
matters  went,  there  were,  nevertheless,  sohtary  hours  in 
which  you  were  led  astray  into  reflection  ;  and  now 
there  happened  to  me  something  which  had  never 
happened  before,  —  what,  and  how,  you  shall  learn. 

"  Everything  about  me  was  completely  adapted  to 
my  present  form  and  wants :  the  bottles  and  glasses 
were  in  a  fit  ratio  to  a  little  toper,  —  nay,  if  you  will, 
better  measure  in  proportion  than  with  us.  In  my  tiny 
palate  the  dainty  tidbits  tasted  excellently  ;  a  kiss  from 
the  little  mouth  of  my  spouse  was  still  the  most  charm- 
ing thing  in  nature ;  and  I  will  not  deny  that  novelty 
made  all  these  circumstances  highly  agreeable.  Un- 
happily, how^ever,  I  had  not  forgotten  my  former  situa- 
tion. I  felt  within  me  a  scale  of  by-gone  greatness, 
and  it  rendered  me  restless  and  cheerless.  Now,  for 
the  first  time,  did  I  understand  what  the  philosophers 
might  mean  by  theii-  ideal,  which  they  say  so  plagues  / 
the  mind  of  man.  I  had  an  ideal  of  myself,  and  often 
in  dreams  I  appeared  as  a  giant.  In  short,  my  wife, 
my  ring,  my  dwarf  figure,  and  so  many  other  bonds 
and  restrictions,  made  me  utterly  unhappy;  so  that  I 
began  to  think  seriously  about  obtaining  my  deliverance. 

"  Being  persuaded  that  the  whole  magic  lay  in  the 
ring,  I  resolved  ou  filing  this  asunder.  From  the  court- 
jeweller,  accordingly,  I  borrowed  some  files.  By  good 
luck  I  was  left-handed ;  as,  indeed,  throughout  my 
whole  life  I  had  never  done  aught  in  the  right-handed 
way.  I  stood  tightly  to  the  work :  it  was  not  small ; 
for  the  golden  hoop,  so  thin  as  it  appeared,  had  grown 
proportionately  thicker  in  contracting  from  its  former 
length.  All  vacant  hours  I  privately  applied  to  this 
task ;  and  at  last,  the  metal  being  nearly  through,  I 
was  provident  enough  to  step  out  of  doors.     This  was 


198  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

a  wise  measure  ;  for  all  at  once  the  golden  hoop  started 
sharply  from  my  finger,  and  my  frame  shot  aloft  with 
such  violence  that  I  actually  fancied  I  should  dash 
against  the  sky :  and,  at  all  events,  I  must  have  bolted 
through  the  dome  of  our  palace,  —  nay,  perhaps,  in  my 
new  awkwardness,  have  destroyed  this  summer  resi- 
dence altogether. 

"  Here,  then,  was  I  standing  again,  —  in  truth,  so 
much  the  larger,  but  also,  as  it  seemed  to  me,  so  much 
the  more  stupid  and  helpless.  On  recovering  from  my 
stupefaction,  I  observed  the  royal  strong-box  lying 
near  me,  which  I  found  to  be  moderately  heavy,  as  I 
lifted  it,  and  carried  it  down  the  footpath  to  the  next 
stage,  where  I  directly  ordered  horses  and  set  forth. 
By  the  road  I  soon  made  trial  of  the  two  side-pouches. 
Instead  of  money,  which  appeared  to  be  run  out,  I 
found  a  little  key :  it  belonged  to  the  strong-box,  in 
which  I  got  some  moderate  compensation.  So  long  as 
this  held  out,  I  made  use  of  the  carriage :  by  and  by  I 
sold  it,  and  proceeded  by  the  diligence.  The  strong- 
box, too,  I  at  length  cast  from  me ;  having  no  hope  of 
its  ever  filhng  again.  And  thus  in  the  end,  though 
after  a  considerable  circuit,  I  again  returned  to  the 
kitchen-hearth,  to  the  landlady  and  the  cook,  where 
you  were  first  introduced  to  me." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Lenardo  was  overwhelmed  with  business,  his  writ- 
ing-office ill  the  greatest  activity  ;  clerks  and  secretaries 
finding  no  moment's  rest:  while  Wilhelm  and  Fried- 
rich,  strolhng  over  tield  and  meadow,  were  entertaining 
each  other  with  the  most  pleasant  conversation. 

And  here,  first  of  all,  as  necessarily  happens  between 
friends  meeting  after  some  separation,  the  question  was 
started.  How  far  they  had  altered  in  the  interim  ? 
Friedrich  would  have  it  that  Wilhelm  was  exactly  the 
same  as  before :  to  Wilhelm,  again,  it  seemed  that  his 
young  friend,  though  no  whit  abated  in  mirth  and  dis- 
cursiveness, was  somewhat  more  staid  in  his  manner. 
"  It  were  pity,"  interru])ted  Friedrich,  "  if  the  father  of 
three  children,  the  liusbaud  of  an  exemplary  matron, 
had  not  likewise  gained  a  little  in  dignity  of  bearing." 

Now,  also,  it  came  to  light,  that  all  the  persons 
whom  we  got  acquainted  with  in  the  "  Apprenticeship  " 
were  still  living  and  well,  —  nay,  better  than  before, 
being  now  in  full  and  decisive  activity ;  each,  in  his 
own  way,  associated  with  many  fellow-labourers,  and 
striving  toward  the  noblest  aim.  Of  this,  however,  it 
is  not  for  the  present  permitted  us  to  impart  any  more 
precise  information ;  as,  in  a  little  book  like  ours, 
reserve  and  secrecy  may  be  no  unseemly  quahties. 

But  whatever,  in  the  course  of  this  confidential  con- 
versation, transpired  respecting  the  society  in  which  we 
now  are,  as  their  more  intimate  relations,  maxims,  and 
objects,  by  httle  and  httle,  came  to  view,  it  is  our  duty 
and  opportunity  to  disclose  in  this  place. 

199 


200  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  The  whim  of  emigration,"  —  such  was  the  substance 
of  Fnedrich's  talk  on  this  matter,  — "  the  whim  of 
emigi-ation  may,  in  straitened  and  painful  circum- 
stances, very  naturally  lay  hold  of  men  :  if  particular 
cases  chance  to  be  favoured  by  a  happy  issue,  this 
whim  will,  in  the  general  mind,  rise  to  the  rank  of 
passion ;  as  we  have  seen,  as  we  still  see,  and,  withal, 
cannot  deny  that  we,  in  our  time,  have  been  befooled 
by  such  a  delusion  ourselves. 

"  Emigration  takes  place  in  the  treacherous  hope  of 
an  improvement  in  our  circumstances,  and  it  is  too 
often  counterbalanced  by  a  subsequent  emigration ; 
since,  go  where  you  may,  you  still  find  yourself  in  a 
conditional  world,  and,  if  not  constrained  to  a  new 
emigration,  are  yet  incHned  in  secret  to  cherish  such  a 
desire. 

"  We  have,  therefore,  bound  ourselves  to  renounce  all 
emigration,  and  to  devote  ourselves  to  migration.  Here 
one  does  not  turn  his  back  on  liis  native  country  for 
ever,  but  hopes,  even  after  the  greatest  circuit,  to  arrive 
there  again,  richer,  wiser,  cleverer,  better,  and  whatever 
else  such  a  way  of  life  can  make  him.  Now,  in  so- 
ciety, all  things  are  easier,  more  certain  in  their  accom- 
plishment, than  to  an  individual ;  in  wliich  sense,  my 
fiiend,  consider  what  thou  shalt  observe  here :  for  what- 
ever thou  mayest  see,  all  and  every  part  of  it  is  meant 
to  forward  a  great,  movable  connection  among  active 
and  sufficient  men  of  all  classes. 

"  But  as  where  men  are,  manners  are  too,  I  may 
explain  thus  much  of  our  constitution  by  way  of  pre- 
liminary :  When  two  of  our  number  anywhere  by 
accident  meet,  they  conduct  themselves  toward  each 
other  according  to  their  rank  and  fasliion,  according  to 
custom  of  handicraft  or  art,  or  by  some  other  such 
mode  adapted  to  their  mutual  relations.  Three  meet- 
ing together  are  considered  as  a  unity,  which  governs 
itself ;  but,  if  a  fourth  join  them,  they  instantly  elect 


MEISTER'S  TRAVELS  201 

the  Bond,  one  chief  and  three  subjects.  This  Bond, 
however  many  more  combine  with  them,  can  still  only 
be  a  single  newly  elected  person ;  for,  in  the  gi-eat  as 
in  the  small  scale,  co-regents  are  found  to  be  mutually 
obstructive. 

"  Thou  mayest  observe  that  Lenardo  unites,  in  this 
way,  more  than  a  hundred  active  and  able  men, — 
unites,  employs,  calls  home,  sends  forth ;  as  to-morrow, 
an  important  day  with  us,  thou  wilt  perceive  and  under- 
stand. Thou  wilt  then  see  the  Bond  dissolved,  the 
multitude  divided  into  smaller  societies,  and  the  Bond 
multiphed :  all  the  rest  will  at  the  same  time  become 
clear  to  thee. 

"  But  for  the  present  I  invite  thee  to  a  short  bout  of 
reading.  Here,  under  the  shadow  of  these  whispering 
trees,  by  the  side  of  this  still-flowing  water,  let  us 
peruse  a  story,  this  little  paper  which  Lenardo,  from 
the  rich  treasures  of  his  collection,  has  entrusted  to  me  ; 
that  so  both  of  us  may  see  thoroughly  what  a  differ- 
ence there  is  between  a  mad  pilgiimage,  such  as  many 
lead  in  the  world,  and  a  well-meditated,  happily  com- 
menced undertaking  like  ours,  of  which  I  shall  at  this 
time  say  no  more  in  praise." 

The  quaint,  fitful,  and  most  dainty  story  of  "The 
Foolish  Pilgrimess,"  with  which  our  two  friends  now 
occupied  their  morning,  we  feel  ourselves  constrained,  not 
imreluctantly,  by  certain  gi-ave  calculations,  to  reserve 
for  some  future  and  better  season. 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 

Lenardo,  having  freed  liimself  from  business  for  an 
hour,  took  dinner  with  his  friends ;  and  at  table  he 
began  to  explain  to  them  his  family  circumstances. 
His  eldest  sister  was  married.  A  rich  brother-in-law, 
to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  uncle,  had  undertaken 
the  management  of  all  the  estates  ;  with  him  Valerina's 
husband  was  stoutly  cooperating :  they  were  labouring 
on  the  great  scale,  strengthening  their  enterprises  by 
connection  with  distant  countries  and  places. 

Here,  likewise,  our  oldest  friends  once  more  make 
their  appearance :  Lothario,  Werner,  the  abbd,  are  on 
their  side  proceeding  in  the  highest  diligence ;  while 
Jarno  occupies  himself  with  mining.  A  general  insur- 
ance has  been  instituted :  we  discern  a  vast  property 
in  land ;  and  on  this  depends  the  existence  of  a  large 
wandering  society,  the  individual  members  of  which, 
under  the  condition  of  the  greatest  possible  usefulness, 
are  recommended  to  all  the  world,  are  forwarded  in 
every  undertaking,  and  secured  against  all  mischances : 
while  they  again,  as  scattered  colonists,  may  be  sup- 
posed to  re-act  on  their  mother  country  with  favourable 
influences. 

Throughout  all  this  we  observe  Lenardo  recognised 
as  the  wandering  Bond :  in  smaller  and  greater  com- 
binations, he,  for  most  part,  is  elected ;  on  him  is  placed 
the  most  unrestricted  confidence. 

So  far  had  the  disclosure,  partly  from  Lenardo,  partly 
from  Friedrich,  proceeded  without  let,  when  both  of  them 

202 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  203 

on  a  sudden  became  silent ;  each  seeming  to  have  scru- 
ples about  commuuiuating  more.  After  a  short  pause, 
Wilhelm  addressed  them,  and  cried,  "  What  new  secret 
again  suddenly  overshadows  the  friendliest  explanation  ? 
Will  you  again  leave  me  in  the  lurch  ? " 

"  Not  at  all !  "  exclaimed  Friedrich.  "  Do  but  hear 
me !  He  has  found  the  nut-brown  maid,  and  for  her 
sake  —  " 

"  Not  for  her  sake,"  interrupted  Lenardo. 

"  And  just  for  her  sake  ! "  persisted  Friedrich.  "  Do 
not  deceive  yourself:  for  her  sake  you  are  changing 
yourself  into  a  lawful  vagabond ;  as  some  others  of  us, 
not,  in  truth,  for  the  most  praiseworthy  purposes,  have, 
in  times  past,  changed  ourselves  into  lawless  vagrants." 

"  Let  us  go  along  calmly,"  said  Lenardo  :  "  our  friend 
here  must  be  made  acquainted  with  the  state  of  our 
affairs ;  liut,  in  the  first  place,  let  him  have  a  little 
touch  of  discipline  for  himself.  You  had  found  the 
nut-brown  maid,  but  to  me  you  refused  the  knowledge 
of  her  abode.  For  this  I  will  not  blame  you,  but  what 
good  did  it  do  ?  To  discover  this  secret  I  was  pas- 
sionately incited ;  and,  notwithstanding  your  sagacious 
caution,  I  at  length  came  upon  the  right  trace.  You 
have  seen  the  good  maiden  yourself :  her  circumstances 
you  have  accurately  investigated,  and  yet  you  did  not 
judge  them  rightly.  It  is  only  the  loving  who  feels 
and  discovers  what  the  beloved  wishes  and  wants :  he 
can  read  it  in  her  from  her  deepest  heart.  Let  this  at 
present  suffice :  for  explanation  we  have  no  time  left 
to-day.  To-morrow  I  have  the  hottest  press  of  business 
to  front :  next  day  we  part.  But  for  your  information, 
composure,  and  participating  interest,  accept  this  copy 
of  a  week  from  my  journal :  it  is  the  best  legacy  which 
I  can  leave  you.  By  reading  it  you  will  not,  indeed, 
become  wiser  than  you  are  and  than  I  am ;  but  let  this 
for  the  present  suffice.  The  nearest  future,  or  a  more 
remote  one,  will  arrange  and  direct :  that  is  to  say,  in 


204  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

this  case,  as  in  so  many  others,  we  know  not  what  is 
to  become  of  us." 

By  way  of  dessert  Lenardo  received  a  packet,  at  the 
opening  of  which  he,  with  some  tokens  of  surprise, 
handed  a  letter  to  Wilhelm.  "  What  secrets,  what 
speedy  concerns,  can  sister  Hersilia  have  with  our 
friend  ?  '  To  be  deUvered  instantly  and  opened  pri- 
vately, without  the  presence  of  any  one,  friend  or 
stranger ! '  Let  us  give  him  all  possible  convenience, 
Friedrich :  let  us  withdraw  ! "  Wilhelm  hastily  broke 
open  the  sheet,  and  read,  — 

Hersilia  to  Wilhelm. 

Wherever  this  letter  may  reach  you,  my  noble  friend, 
to  a  certainty  it  will  find  you  in  some  nook  where  you 
are  striving  in  vain  to  hide  from  yourself.  By  making 
you  acquainted  with  my  two  fair  dames,  I  have  done  you 
a  sorry  service. 

But  wherever  you  may  be  lurking,  and  doubtless  it 
will  search  you  out,  my  promise  is,  that  if,  after  read- 
ing this  letter,  you  do  not  forthwith  leap  from  your 
seat,  and,  like  a  pious  pilgrim,  appear  in  my  presence 
without  delay,  I  must  declare  you  to  be  the  manliest 
of  all  men ;  that  is  to  say,  the  one  most  completely 
void  of  the  finest  property  belonging  to  our  sex :  I 
mean  curiosity,  which  at  this  moment  is  afflicting  me 
in  its  sharpest  concentration. 

In  one  word,  then,  your  casket  has  now  got  its  key : 
this,  however,  none  but  you  and  I  are  to  know.  How 
it  came  into  my  hands  let  me  now  tell  you. 

Some  days  ago  our  man  of  law  gets  despatches  from 
a  distant  tribunal ;  wherein  he  was  asked  if,  at  such 
and  such  a  time,  there  had  not  been  a  boy  prowling 
about  our  neighbourhood  who  had  played  all  manner 
of  tricks,  and  at  length,  in  a  rash  enterprise,  lost  his 
jacket. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  205 

By  the  way  this  brat  was  described,  no  doubt  re- 
mained with  us  but  he  was  Fitz,  —  the  gay  connade 
whom  Fehx  talked  so  much  of,  and  so  often  wished 
back  to  play  with  him. 

Now,  for  the  present,  those  authorities  request  that 
said  article  of  dress  may  be  sent  to  them  if  it  is  still 
in  existence ;  as  the  boy,  at  last  involved  in  judicial 
examinations,  refers  to  it.  Of  this  demand  our  lawyer 
chances  to  make  mention :  he  shows  us  the  httle  frock 
before  sending  it  off. 

Some  good  or  evil  spirit  whispers  me  to  gi-ope  the 
breastpocket :  a  little,  angular,  prickly  something  comes 
into  my  hand ;  I,  so  timorous,  tickhsh,  and  startlish  as 
I  usually  am,  clinch  my  hand,  clinch  it,  hold  my  peace ; 
and  the  jerkin  is  sent  away.  Directly,  of  all  feelings, 
the  strangest  seizes  me.  At  the  first  stolen  glance  I 
saw,  I  guessed,  that  it  was  the  key  of  your  little  box. 
And  now  came  wondrous  scruples  of  conscience,  and 
all  sorts  of  moral  doubts.  To  discover,  to  give  back 
my  windfall,  was  impossible ;  what  have  those  long- 
wigged  judges  to  do  with  it  when  it  may  be  so  useful 
to  my  friend  ?  And  then,  again,  all  manner  of  f[ues- 
tions  about  right  and  duty  begin  lifting  up  their  voices ; 
but  I  would  not  let  them  outvote  me. 

From  this  you  perceive  into  what  a  situation  my 
friendship  for  you  has  reduced  me :  a  choice  faculty 
develops  itself  all  on  a  sudden  for  your  sake ;  what 
an  occurrence !  May  it  not  be  something  more  than 
friendship  that  so  holds  the  balance  of  my  conscience  ? 
Between  guilt  and  curiosity  I  am  wonderfully  discom- 
posed ;  I  have  a  hundred  whims  and  stories  about 
what  may  follow :  law  and  judgment  will  not  be 
trifled  with.  Hersilia,  the  careless,  and,  as  occasion 
served,  capricious  Hersilia,  entangled  in  a  criminal  proc- 
ess ;  for  this  is  the  scope  and  tendency  of  it !  And 
what  can  I  do  but  think  of  the  friend  for  whose  sake 
I  suffer  all  this  ?     I  thought  of  you  before,  yet  with 


2o6 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 


pauses  ;  but  now  I  think  of  you  incessantly  :  now  when 
my  heart  throbs,  and  I  think  of  the  eighth  command- 
ment, I  must  turn  to  you  as  to  the  saint  who  has  caused 
this  sin,  and  will  also  procure  me  an  absolution ;  thus 
the  opening  of  the  casket  is  the  only  thing  that  can 
compose  me.  My  curiosity  is  gi'owing  stronger  and 
doubly  strong :  come,  and  bring  the  casket  with  you. 
To  what  judgment-seat  it  properly  belongs  we  will 
make  out  between  us :  till  then  let  it  remain  between 
us ;  no  one  must  know  of  it,  be  who  he  will. 

But  now,  in  conclusion,  look  here,  my  friend.  And 
tell  me,  what  say  you  to  this  picture  of  the  riddle  ? 
Does  it  not  remind  you  of  arrows  with  barbs  ?  God 
help  us !  But  the  box  must  first  stand  unopened 
between  you  and  me,  and  then,  when  opened,  tell  us 
further  what  we  have  to  do.  I  wish  there  were  noth- 
ing whatever  in  it ;  and  who  knows  what  all  I  wish, 
and  what  all  I  could  tell  ?  but  do  you  look  at  this,  and 
hasten  so  much  the  faster  to  get  upon  the  road. 


Friedrich  returned  more  gay  and  lively  than  he  had 
gone.  "  Good  news  ! "  cried  he  :  "  good  luck  !  Lenardo 
has  received  some  pretty  letters  to  facilitate  the  part- 
ing :  credit  more  than  sufficient ;  and  thou,  too,  shalt 
have  thy  share  in  it.     Fortune  herself  surely  knows 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  207 

not  what  she  is  abuut ;  for  uiicc  in  her  time  she  has 
done  wise,  worthy  fellows  a  favour." 

Hereupon  he  handed  to  his  friend  some  clipped 
fragments  of  maps,  with  directions  where  they  were 
to  be  produced,  and  changed  for  hard  cash  or  bills,  as 
he  might  choose.  Wilhelm  was  obliged  to  accept 
them ;  though  he  kept  assuring  his  companion,  that  for 
the  present  he  had  no  need  of  such  things.  "  Then, 
others  will  need  them  ! "  cried  Friedrich  :  "  constrain 
not  thy  good  feelings,  and,  wherever  thou  art,  appear 
as  a  benefactor.  But  now  come  along,  let  us  have  a 
look  at  this  manuscript :  it  is  long  till  night ;  one  tires 
of  talking  and  listening,  so  I  have  begged  some  writ- 
ing for  our  entertainment.  Every  leaf  in  Leuardo's 
archives  is  penned  in  the  spirit  of  the  whole :  in  giving 
me  this,  he  said,  '  Well,  take  it  and  read  it :  our  friend 
will  acquire  more  confidence  in  our  society  and  Bond, 
the  more  good  members  he  becomes  acquainted  with.' " 

The  two  then  retired  to  a  cheerful  spot ;  and  Fried- 
rich  read,  enlivening  with  much  natural  energy  and 
mirth,  what  he  found  set  down  for  him. 

WHO    CAN     THE     TKAITOR    BE? 

"  No,  no ! "  exclaimed  he,  violently  and  hastily  rush- 
ing into  the  chamber  allotted  him,  and  setting  down 
his  candle,  —  "  no  !  it  is  impossible  !  But  whither 
shall  I  turn  ?  For  the  first  time  I  think  otherwise 
than  he :  for  the  first  time  I  feel,  I  wish,  otherwise. 
0  father  !  couldst  thou  but  be  present  invisibly,  couldst 
thou  but  look  through  and  through  me,  thou  wouldst 
see  that  I  am  still  the  same,  stdl  thy  true,  obedient, 
affectionate  son.  Yet  to  say  no !  To  contradict  my 
father's  dearest,  long-cherished  wish !  How  shall  I 
disclose  it  ?  How  shall  I  express  it  ?  No  :  I  cannot 
marry  Julia!  Wlide  I  speak  of  it,  I  shudder.  And 
how  shall  I  appear  before  him,  tell  him  this,  him,  the 


2o8  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

good,  kind  father  ?  He  looks  at  me  with  astonish- 
ment, without  speaking :  the  prudent,  clear-sighted, 
gifted  man  can  find  no  words.  Woe  is  me !  Ah !  I 
know  well  to  whom  I  would  confide  this  pain,  this 
perplexity,  who  it  is  I  would  choose  for  my  advocate. 
Before  all  others,  thou,  Lucinda !  And  I  would  first 
tell  thee  how  I  love  thee,  how  I  give  myself  to  thee, 
and  pressingly  entreat  thee  to  speak  for  me,  and  if 
thou  canst  love  me  again,  if  thou  wilt  be  mine,  to 
speak  for  us  both." 

To  explain  this  short,  pithy  monologue  will  require 
some  details. 

Professor  N.  of  N".  had  an  only  boy  of  singular 
beauty,  whom,  till  the  child's  eighth  year,  he  had  left 
entirely  in  charge  of  his  wife.  This  excellent  woman 
had  directed  the  hours  and  days  of  her  son  in  living, 
learning,  and  all  good  behaviour.  She  died ;  and  the 
father  instantly  felt,  that  to  prosecute  this  parental 
tutelage  was  impossible.  In  their  hfetime,  all  had 
been  harmony  between  the  parents :  they  had  laboured 
for  a  common  aim,  had  determined  in  concert  what 
was  next  to  be  done ;  and  the  mother  had  not  wanted 
skill  to  execute  wisely,  by  herself,  what  the  two  had 
planned  together.  Double  and  treble  was  now  the 
widower's  anxiety ;  seeing,  as  he  could  not  but  daily 
see,  that  for  the  sons  of  professors,  even  in  universities, 
it  was  only  by  a  sort  of  miracle  that  a  happy  educa- 
tion could  be  expected. 

In  this  strait  he  applied  to  his  friend,  the  Oher- 
amtmann  of  R,  with  whom  he  had  already  been  treat- 
ing of  plans  for  a  closer  alliance  between  their  families. 
The  Oheramtmann  gave  him  counsel  and  assistance: 
so  the  son  was  estabhshed  in  one  of  those  institutions 
which  still  flourish  in  Germany,  and  where  charge  is 
taken  of  the  whole  man,  and  body,  soul,  and  spirit  are 
trained  with  all  attention. 

The  son  was  thus  provided  for :  the  father,  however, 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  209 

felt  himself  very  lonely,  robbed  of  his  wife,  shut  out 
from  the  cheerful  presence  of  the  boy,  whom  he  had 
seen,  without  effort  of  his,  growing  up  in  such  desir- 
able culture.  ViXit  here,  again,  the  friendship  of  the 
Oheramtmann  served  him  in  good  stead :  the  distance 
of  their  abodes  vanished  before  his  affection,  his  desire 
for  movement,  for  diversion  of  thought.  In  this  hos- 
pitable home  the  widowed  man  of  letters  found,  in  a 
family  circle,  motherless  like  his  own,  two  beautiful 
little  daughters  growing  up  in  diverse  loveliness:  a 
state  of  things  which  more  and  more  confirmed  the 
fathers  in  their  purpose,  in  their  hope,  of  one  day 
seeing  their  families  united  in  the  most  joyful  bonds. 

They  lived  under  the  sway  of  a  mild,  good  prince : 
the  meritorious  Ohcravitinann  was  certain  of  his  post 
during  life ;  and,  in  the  appointment  of  a  successor, 
his  recommendation  was  likely  to  go  far.  And  now, 
according  to  the  wise  family  arrangement,  sanctioned 
also  by  the  minister,  Lucidor  was  to  train  himself  for 
the  important  office  of  his  future  father-in-law.  This 
in  consequence  he  did,  from  step  to  step.  Nothing 
was  neglected  in  communicating  to  him  all  sorts  of 
knowledge,  in  developing  in  him  all  sorts  of  activity, 
which  the  state  in  any  case  requires,  —  practice  in 
rigorous  judicial  law,  and  also  in  the  laxer  sort,  where 
prudence  and  address  find  their  proper  field ;  foresight 
for  daily  ways  and  means ;  not  excluding  higher  and 
more  comprehensive  views,  yet  all  tending  toward 
practical  life,  and  so  as  with  effect  and  certainty  to 
be  employed  in  its  concerns. 

With  such  purposes  had  Lucidor  spent  his  school 
years:  by  his  father  and  liis  patron  he  was  now 
warned  to  make  ready  for  the  university.  In  all 
departments  he  already  showed  the  fairest  talents ; 
and  to  nature  he  was  further  indebted  for  the  singular 
happiness  of  inclining,  out  of  love  for  liis  father,  out  of 
respect  for  his  friend,  to  turn    his   capabilities,   first 


2IO  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

from  obedience,  then  from  conviction,  on  that  very 
object  to  whicli  he  was  directed.  He  was  placed  in  a 
foreign  university ;  and  here,  both  by  his  own  account 
in  his  letters,  and  by  the  testimony  of  his  teachers  and 
overseers,  he  continued  walking  in  the  path  that  led 
toward  his  appointed  goal.  It  was  only  objected  to 
him,  that  in  certain  cases  he  had  been  too  impetuously 
brave.  The  father  shook  his  head  at  this :  the  Oher- 
amtmann  nodded.  Who  would  not  have  been  proud 
of  such  a  son  ? 

Meanwhile  the  two  daughters,  Juha  and  Lucinda, 
were  waxing  in  stature  and  graces.  Juha,  the  younger, 
waggish,  lovely,  imstable,  highly  entertaining ;  the  other 
difficult  to  portray,  for  in  her  sincerity  and  purity  she 
represented  all  that  we  prize  most  in  woman.  Visits 
were  paid  and  repaid ;  and,  in  the  professor's  house, 
Julia  found  the  most  inexhaustible  amusement. 

Geography,  which  he  failed  not  to  enliven  by  topog- 
raphy, belonged  to  his  province ;  and  no  sooner  did 
Juha  cast  her  eyes  on  any  of  the  volumes,  of  which  a 
whole  series  from  Homann's  warehouse  were  standing 
there,  than  the  cities,  all  and  sundry,  had  to  be  mus- 
tered, judged,  preferred,  or  rejected :  all  havens  espe- 
cially obtained  her  favour;  other  towns,  to  acquire 
even  a  slight  approval  from  her,  must  stand  forth 
well  supphed  with  steeples,  domes,  and  minarets. 

Julia's  father  often  left  her  for  weeks  to  the  care  of 
his  tried  friend.  She  was  actually  advancing  in  knowl- 
edge of  her  science ;  and  already  the  inhabited  world, 
in  its  main  features,  in  its  chief  points  and  places, 
stood  before  her  with  some  accuracy  and  distinctness. 
The  garbs  of  foreign  nations  attracted  her  pecuhar 
attention ;  and  often  when  her  foster-father  asked  her 
in  jest,  If  among  the  many  young,  handsome  men  who 
were  passing  to  and  fro  before  her  window,  there  was 
not  some  one  or  other  whom  she  Hked  ?  she  would 
answer,  "  Yes,  indeed  !  if  he  do  but  look  odd  enough." 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  21 1 

And,  as  our  young  students  are  seldom  behindhand  in 
this  ])articular,  she  had  often  occasion  to  take  notice  of 
individuals  among  them ;  they  hiuught  to  her  mind 
the  costume  of  foreign  nations :  however,  she  declared 
in  the  end,  that,  if  she  was  to  bestow  her  undivided 
attention  on  any  one,  he  must  be  at  least  a  Greek, 
equipped  in  the  complete  fashion  of  his  country ;  on 
which  account,  also,  she  longed  to  be  at  some  Leipzig 
fair,  where,  as  she  understood,  such  persons  were  to  be 
seen  walking  the  streets. 

After  his  dry  and  often  irksome  labours,  our  teacher 
had  now  no  happier  moments  than  those  he  spent 
in  mirthfully  instructing  her ;  triumphing  withal,  in 
secret,  that  a  being  so  attractive,  ever  entertaining, 
ever  entertained,  was  in  the  end  to  be  his  own  daugh- 
ter. For  the  rest,  the  two  fathers  had  mutually 
agreed,  that  no  hint  of  their  purpose  should  be  com- 
municated to  the  girls :  from  Lucidor,  also,  it  was  kept 
secret. 

Thus  had  years  passed  away,  as,  indeed,  they  very 
lightly  pass :  Lucidor  presented  himself  completed, 
having  stood  all  trials  to  the  joy,  even  of  the  superior 
overseers,  who  wished  nothing  more  heartily  than 
being  able,  with  a  good  conscience,  to  fulfil  the  hopes 
of  old,  worthy,  favoured,  and  deserving  servants. 

And  so  the  business  had  at  length  by  quiet,  regular 
steps  come  so  far,  that  Lucidor,  after  having  demeaned 
himself  in  subordinate  stations  to  universal  satisfaction, 
was  now  to  be  placed  in  a  very  advantageous  post, 
suitable  to  his  wishes  and  merits,  and  lying  just  mid- 
way between  the  university  and  the  Ohcramtmann- 
ship. 

The  father  now  spoke  with  his  son  about  Juha,  of 
whom  he  had  hitherto  only  hinted,  as  about  his  l)ride 
and  wife,  without  any  doubt  or  condition ;  congratulat- 
ing him  on  the  happiness  of  having  appropriated  such 
a  jewel  to  himself.      The  professor  saw  in  fancy  his 


212  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

daughter-in-law  again  from  time  to  time  in  his  house, 
occupied  with  charts,  plans,  and  views  of  cities :  the 
son  recalled  to  mind  the  gay  and  most  lovely  creature, 
who,  in  times  of  childhood,  had,  by  her  rogueries  as 
by  her  kindliness,  always  delighted  him.  Lucidor  was 
now  to  ride  over  to  the  Oheramtmann's,  to  take  a 
closer  view  of  the  full-grown  fair  one,  and,  for  a  few 
weeks,  to  surrender  himself  to  the  habitudes  and  fa- 
miHarity  of  her  household.  If  the  young  people,  as 
was  to  be  hoped,  should  speedily  agree,  the  professor 
was  forthwith  to  appear,  that  so  a  solemn  betrothment 
might  for  ever  secure  the  anticipated  happiness. 

Lucidor  arrives,  is  received  with  the  friendliest 
welcome:  a  chamber  is  allotted  him;  he  arranges 
himself  there,  and  appears.  And  now  he  finds,  besides 
the  members  of  the  family  already  known  to  us,  a 
grown-up  son,  —  misbred  certainly,  yet  shrewd  and 
good-natured ;  so  that,  if  you  like  to  take  him  as  the 
jesting  counsellor  of  the  party,  he  fitted  not  ill  with 
the  rest.  There  belonged,  moreover,  to  the  house  a 
very  old,  but  healthy  and  gay-hearted,  man,  quiet,  wise, 
discreet ;  completing  his  life,  as  it  were,  and  here  and 
there  requiring  a  little  help.  Directly  after  Lucidor, 
too,  there  had  arrived  another  stranger,  no  longer 
young,  of  an  impressive  aspect,  dignified,  thoroughly 
well-bred,  and,  by  his  acquaintance  with  the  most 
distant  quarters  of  the  world,  extremely  entertaining. 
He  was  called  Antoni. 

Julia  received  her  announced  bridegroom  in  fit  order, 
yet  with  an  excess  rather  than  a  defect  of  frankness : 
Lucinda,  on  the  other  hand,  did  the  honours  of  the 
house :  as  her  sister  did  those  of  herself.  So  passed 
the  day,  peculiarly  agreeable  to  all,  only  to  Lucidor 
not :  he,  at  all  times  silent,  had  been  forced,  that  he 
might  avoid  sinking  dumb  entirely,  to  employ  himself 
in  asking  questions ;  and  in  this  attitude  no  one  appears 
to  advantage. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  213 

Throughout  he  liad  been  absent-minded ;  for  at  the 
first  glance  he  had  felt,  not  aversion  or  repugnance, 
yet  estrangement,  toward  Julia :  Lucinda,  on  the  con- 
trary, attracted  him;  so  that  he  trembled  every  time 
she  looked  at  him  with  her  full,  pure,  peaceful  eyes. 

Thus  hard  bested,  he  reached  his  charnl)er  the  first 
night,  and  gave  vent  to  his  heart  in  that  soliloquy 
with  which  we  began.  But  to  explain  this  sufficiently, 
to  show  how  the  violence  of  such  an  emphatic  speech 
agrees  with  what  we  know  of  him  already,  another 
little  statement  will  be  necessary. 

Lucidor  was  of  a  deep  character,  and  for  most  part 
had  something  else  in  his  mind  than  what  the  present 
scene  required :  hence  talk  and  social  conversation 
would  never  prosper  rightly  with  him ;  he  felt  this, 
and  was  wont  to  continue  silent,  except  when  the 
topic  happened  to  be  particular,  on  some  department 
which  he  had  completely  studied  and  of  which,  what- 
ever he  needed  was  at  all  times  read.  Besides  this,  in 
his  early  years  at  school,  and  later  at  the  university, 
he  had  been  deceived  in  friends,  and  had  wasted  the 
effusions  of  his  heart  unhappily :  hence  every  communi- 
cation of  his  feelings  seemed  to  him  a  doubtful  step, 
and  doubting  destroys  all  such  communication.  With 
his  father  he  used  to  speak  only  in  unison :  therefore 
his  full  heart  poured  itself  out  in  monologues,  as  soon 
as  he  was  by  himself. 

Next  morning  he  had  summoned  up  his  resolution ; 
and  yet  he  almost  lost  heart  and  composure  again, 
when  Julia  met  him  with  still  more  friendhness,  gayety, 
and  frankness  than  ever.  She  had  much  to  ask,  — 
about  his  journey  by  land  and  journeys  by  water; 
how,  when  a  student,  with  his  knapsack  on  his  back, 
he  had  roamed  and  chmbed  through  Switzerland, — 
nay,  crossed  the  Alps  themselves.  And  now  of  those 
fair  islands  on  the  great  Southern  Lake  she  had  much 
to  say :  and  then  backwards,  the  Ehine  must  be  accom- 


214  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

panied  from  his  primary  origin ;  at  first,  through  most 
undeUcious  regions,  and  so  downwards  tlirough  many 
an  alternation,  till  at  length,  between  Mainz  and 
Coblenz,  you  find  it  still  worth  while  respectfully  to 
dismiss  the  old  Eiver  from  his  last  confinement,  into 
the  wide  world,  into  the  sea. 

Lucidor,  in  the  course  of  this  recital,  felt  much 
lightened  in  heart ;  he  narrated  willingly  and  well : 
so  that  Julia  at  last  exclaimed  in  rapture,  "  It  is  thus 
that  our  other  self  should  be!"  At  which  phrase 
Lucidor  again  felt  startled  and  frightened,  thinking  he 
saw  in  it  an  allusion  to  their  future  pilgrimage  in  com- 
mon through  life. 

From  his  narrative  duty,  however,  he  was  soon  re- 
lieved ;  for  the  stranger,  Antoni,  very  speedily  over- 
shadowed all  mountain  streams,  and  rocky  banks,  and 
rivers,  whether  hemmed  in  or  left  at  liberty.  Under 
his  guidance  you  now  went  forward  to  Genoa ;  Livorno 
lay  at  no  great  distance ;  whatever  was  most  interest- 
ing in  the  country  you  took  with  you  as  fair  spoil; 
Naples,  too,  was  a  place  you  should  see  before  you 
died ;  and  then,  in  truth,  remained  Constantinople, 
which  also  was  by  no  means  to  be  neglected.  Antoni's 
descriptions  of  the  wide  world  carried  the  imagination 
of  every  hearer  along  with  him,  though  Antoni  him- 
self introduced  little  fire  into  the  subject.  Julia,  quite 
enraptured,  was  still  nowise  satisfied :  she  longed  for 
Alexandria,  Cairo,  and,  above  all,  for  the  pyramids ; 
of  wliich,  by  the  lessons  of  her  intended  father-in-law, 
she  had  gained  some  moderate  knowledge. 

Lucidor,  next  night  (he  had  scarcely  shut  his  door, 
the  caudle  he  had  not  put  down),  exclaimed,  "  Now, 
bethink  thee,  then :  it  is  growing  serious  !  Thou  hast 
studied  and  meditated  many  serious  things :  what 
avails  thy  law-learning  if  thou  canst  not  act  like  a 
man  of  law  ?  View  thyself  as  a  delegate,  forget  thy 
own  feelings,  and  do  what  it  would  behoove  thee  to 


Mt.CTP.R'S    TRAVELS  215 

do  for  another.  It  thickuus  and  closes  round  me 
horril)ly  !  'J'he  stranger  is  plainly  come  for  the  sake 
of  Lucinda ;  she  shows  him  the  fairest,  noblest  social 
and  hospitable  attentions :  that  little  fool  would  run 
througli  the  world  with  any  one  for  anything  or  noth- 
ing. Besides,  she  is  a  wag :  her  interest  in  cities  and 
countries  is  a  farce,  by  which  she  keeps  us  in  silence. 
But  why  do  I  Icjok  at  the  affair  so  perplexedly,  so 
narrowly  ?  Is  not  the  Oheramtmann  himself  the  most 
judicious,  the  clearest,  the  kindest  mediator  ?  Thou 
wilt  tell  him  how  thou  feelest  and  thinkest ;  and  he 
will  think  with  thee,  if  not  likewise  feel.  With  thy 
father  he  has  all  influence.  And  is  not  the  one  as 
well  as  the  other  his  daughter  ?  "WHiat  would  this 
Antoni  the  traveller  with  Lucinda,  who  is  born  for 
home,  to  be  happy  and  to  make  happy  ?  Let  the 
wavering  quicksilver  fasten  itself  to  the  Wandering 
Jew :  that  will  be  a  riglit  match." 

Next  morning  Lucidor  came  down  with  the  firm 
purpose  of  speaking  with  the  father,  and  waiting  on 
him  expressly  to  that  end,  at  the  hour  when  he  knew^ 
him  to  be  disengaged.  How  great  was  his  vexation, 
his  perplexity,  on  learning  that  the  Oheramtmann  had 
been  called  away  on  business,  and  was  not  expected 
till  the  day  after  the  morrow !  Julia,  on  this  occasion, 
seemed  to  be  expressly  in  her  travelling-fit ;  she  kept 
by  the  world  wanderer,  and,  with  some  sportive  hits 
at  domestic  economy,  gave  up  Lucidor  to  Lucinda. 
If  our  friend,  viewing  this  noble  maiden  from  a  certain 
distance,  and  under  one  general  impression,  had  already, 
with  his  whole  heart,  loved  her,  he  failed  not  now  in 
this  nearest  nearness  to  discover  with  double  and  treble 
vividness  in  detail  all  that  had  before  as  a  whole  at- 
tracted him. 

The  good  old  friend  of  the  family  now  brought 
himself  forward  in  place  of  the  absent  father :  he,  too, 
had  lived,  had  loved,  and  was  now,  after  many  hard 


2i6  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

buffetings  and  bruises  of  life,  resting  at  last,  refreshed 
and  cheerful,  beside  the  friend  of  his  youth.  He  en- 
livened the  conversation,  and  especially  expatiated  on 
perplexities  in  choice  of  wives ;  relating  several  remark- 
able examples  of  explanations,  both  in  time  and  too  late. 
Lucinda  appeared  in  all  her  splendour.  She  admitted, 
that  accident  in  all  departments  of  life,  and  so  like- 
wise in  the  business  of  marriage,  often  produced  the 
best  result ;  yet  that  it  was  finer  and  prouder  when 
one  could  say  he  owed  his  happiness  to  himself,  to  the 
silent,  calm  conviction  of  his  heart,  to  a  noble  purpose 
and  a  quick  determination.  Tears  stood  in  Lucidor's 
eyes  as  he  applauded  this  sentiment :  directly  afterward 
the  two  ladies  went  out.  The  old  president  liked  well 
to  deal  in  illustrative  histories ;  and  so  the  conversation 
expanded  itseK  into  details  of  pleasant  instances,  which, 
however,  touched  our  hero  so  closely  that  none  but  a 
youth  of  as  delicate  manners  as  his  could  have  refrained 
from  breaking  out  with  his  secret.  He  did  break  out 
so  soon  as  he  was  by  himself. 

"  I  have  constrained  myself  ! "  exclaimed  he  :  "  with 
such  perplexities  I  will  not  vex  my  good  father;  I 
have  forborne  to  speak,  for  I  see  in  this  worthy  old 
man  the  substitute  of  both  fathers.  To  him  will  I 
speak,  to  him  disclose  the  whole :  he  will  surely  bring 
it  about ;  he  has  already  almost  spoken  what  I  wish. 
Will  he  censure  in  the  individual  case  what  he  praises 
in  general  ?  To-morrow  I  visit  him  :  I  must  give  vent 
to  this  oppression." 

At  breakfast  the  old  man  was  not  present :  last 
night  he  had  spoken,  it  appeared,  too  much,  had  sat 
too  long,  and  likewise  drunk  a  drop  or  two  of  wine 
beyond  his  custom.  Much  was  said  in  his  praise : 
many  anecdotes  were  related,  and  precisely  of  such 
sayings  and  doings  as  brought  Lucidor  to  despair  for 
not  having  forthwith  applied  to  him.  This  unpleasant 
feehng  was  but  aggravated  when  he  learned,  that,  in 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  217 

such  attacks  of  disorder,  the  good  old  man  would  often 
not  make  his  re-ap})earance  for  a  week. 

For  social  converse  a  country  residence  has  many 
advantages,  especially  when  the  owners  of  it  have,  for 
a  course  of  years,  been  induced,  as  thinking  and  feehng 
persons,  to  improve  the  natural  capabilities  of  their 
environs.  Such  had  been  the  good  fortune  of  this 
spot.  The  Oheramtmanny  at  first  unweddcd,  then  in 
a  long,  happy  marriage,  himself  a  man  of  fortune, 
and  occupying  a  lucrative  post,  had,  according  to  his 
own  judgment  and  perception,  according  to  the  taste 
of  his  wife,  —  nay,  at  last  according  to  the  wishes  and 
whims  of  his  children,  —  laid  out  and  forwarded  many 
larger  and  smaller  decorations ;  which,  by  degrees,  be- 
ing skilfully  connected  with  plantations  and  paths, 
afforded  to  the  promenader  a  very  beautiful,  continually 
varying,  characteristic  series  of  scenes.  A  pilgrimage 
through  these  our  young  hosts  now  proposed  to  their 
guest ;  as  in  general  we  take  pleasure  in  showing 
our  improvements  to  a  stranger,  that  so  what  has 
become  habitual  in  our  eyes  may  appear  with  the 
charm  of  novelty  in  his,  and  leave  with  him,  in  per- 
manent remembrance,  its  first  favourable  impression. 

The  nearest,  as  well  as  the  most  distant,  part  of  the 
grounds  was  pecuharly  appropriate  for  modest  decora- 
tions, and  altogether  rural  individuahties.  Fertile  hills 
alternated  with  well-watered  meadows,  so  that  the 
whole  was  visible  from  time  to  time  without  being  flat ; 
and,  if  the  land  seemed  chiefly  devoted  to  purposes  of 
utility,  the  graceful,  the  attractive,  was  by  no  means 
excluded. 

To  the  dwelling  and  office  houses  were  united  vari- 
ous gardens,  orchards,  and  green  spaces ;  out  of  which 
you  imperceptibly  passed  into  a  little  wood  with  a 
broad,  clear  carriage-road,  winding  up  and  down 
through  the  midst  of  it.  Here,  in  a  central  spot,  on 
the  most  considerable  elevation,  there  had  been  a  hall 


2i8  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

erected,  with  side-chambers  entering  from  it.  On 
coming  through  the  main  door  you  saw,  in  a  large 
mirror,  the  most  favourable  prospect  which  the  coun- 
try afforded,  and  were  sure  to  turn  round  that  instant, 
to  recover  yourself  on  the  reahty  from  the  effect  of  this 
its  unexpected  image ;  for  the  approach  was  artfully 
enough  contrived,  and  all  that  could  excite  surprise 
was  carefully  liid  till  the  last  moment.  No  one 
entered  but  felt  pleasurably  tempted  to  turn  from  the 
miiTor  to  nature,  and  from  nature  to  the  mirror. 

Once  in  motion  in  this  fairest,  brightest,  longest  day, 
our  party  made  a  spiritual  campaign  of  it,  over  and 
through  the  whole.  Here  the  daughters  pointed  out 
the  evening-seat  of  their  good  mother,  w^here  a  stately 
box-tree  had  kept  clear  space  all  round  it.  A  little 
farther  on  Lucinda's  place  of  morning  prayer  was  half- 
roguishly  exhibited  by  Julia,  close  to  a  little  brook, 
between  poplars  and  alders,  wdth  meadows  sloping 
down  from  it,  and  fields  stretching  upwards.  It  was 
indescribably  pretty.  You  thought  you  had  seen  such 
a  spot  everywhere,  but  nowhere  so  impressive  and  so 
perfect  in  its  simplicity.  In  return  for  this  the  young 
master,  also  half  against  Julia's  will,  pointed  out  the 
tiny  groves,  and  cliild's  gardens  which,  close  by  a  snug- 
lying  mill,  were  now  scarcely  discernible :  they  dated 
from  a  time  when  Juha,  perhaps  in  her  tenth  year, 
had  taken  it  into  her  head  to  become  a  milleress ;  in- 
tending, after  the  decease  of  the  two  old  occupants,  to 
assume  the  management  herself,  and  choose  some  brave 
millman  for  her  husband. 

"  That  was  at  a  time,"  cried  Julia,  "  when  I  knew 
nothing  of  towns  lying  on  rivers,  or  even  on  the  sea,  — 
nothing  of  Genoa,  of  Naples,  and  the  like.  Your 
worthy  father,  Lucidor,  has  converted  me  :  of  late  I 
come  seldom  hither."  She  sat  down  with  a  roguish 
air,  and  on  a  little  bench,  that  was  now  scarcely  large 
enough  for  her,  under  an  elder-bough,  which  had  bent 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  219 

deeply  toward  the  ground.  "  Fie  on  this  cowering ! " 
cried  she,  then  started  up,  and  ran  off  with  lier  gay- 
brother. 

The  remaining  pair  kept  up  a  rational  conversation, 
and  in  these  cases  reason  approaches  close  to  the 
borders  of  feeling.  Wandering  over  changeful,  simple, 
natural  objects,  to  contemplate  at  leisure  how  cunning, 
scheming  man  contrives  to  gain  some  profit  from 
thern ;  how  his  perception  of  what  is  laid  before  him, 
combining  with  the  feehng  of  his  wants,  does  wonders, 
first  in  rendering  the  world  inhabitable,  then  in  peopling 
it,  and  at  last  in  over-peopling  it,  —  all  this  could  here 
be  talked  of  in  detail.  Lucinda  gave  account  of  every- 
thing ;  and,  modest  as  she  was,  she  could  not  hide  that 
these  pleasant  and  convenient  combinations  of  distant 
parts  by  roads  had  been  her  work,  under  the  proposal, 
direction,  or  favour  of  her  revered  mother. 

But,  as  the  longest  day  at  last  bends  down  to  even- 
ing, our  party  were  at  last  forced  to  tliink  of  returning : 
and,  while  devising  some  pleasant  circuit,  the  merry 
brother  proposed  that  they  should  take  the  short  road ; 
though  it  commanded  no  fine  prospects,  and  was  even 
in  some  places  more  ditticult  to  get  over.  "  For,"  cried 
he,  "  you  have  preached  all  day  about  your  decorations 
and  reparations,  and  how  you  have  improved  and  beau- 
tified the  scene  for  pictorial  eyes  and  feeling  hearts: 
let  me,  also,  have  my  turn." 

Accordingly,  they  now  set  forth  over  ploughed 
grounds,  by  coarse  paths,  nay,  sometimes  picking  their 
way  by  stepping-stones  in  boggy  places;  till  at  last 
they  perceived,  at  some  distance,  a  pile  of  machinery 
towering  up  in  manifold  combination.  More  closely 
examined,  it  turned  out  to  be  a  large  apparatus  for 
sport  and  games,  arranged,  not  without  judgment,  and 
in  a  certain  popular  spirit.  Here,  fixed  at  suitable 
distances,  stood  a  large  swing-wheel,  on  which  the 
asceucUng  and  the  descending  riders  might    still    sit 


2  20  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

horizontally  and  at  their  ease  ;  other  seesaws,  swing- 
ropes,  leaping-poles,  bowling  and  ninepins  courses,  and 
whatever  can  be  fancied  for  variedly  and  equally 
employing  and  diverting  a  crowd  of  people  gathered  on 
a  large  common.  "  This,"  cried  he,  "  is  my  invention, 
my  decoration !  And  though  my  father  found  the 
money,  and  a  shrewd  fellow  the  brain  necessary  for  it, 
yet  without  me,  whom  you  often  call  a  person  of  no 
judgment,  money  and  brain  would  not  have  come 
together." 

In  tliis  cheerful  mood  the  whole  four  reached  home 
by  sunset.  Antoni  also  joined  them ;  but  the  little 
JuHa,  not  yet  satisfied  with  this  unresting  travel, 
ordered  her  coach,  and  set  forth  on  a  visit  to  a  lady  of 
her  friends,  in  utter  despair  at  not  having  seen  her  for 
two  days.  The  party  left  behind  began  to  feel  embar- 
rassed before  they  were  aware :  it  was  even  mentioned 
in  words  that  the  father's  absence  distressed  them. 
The  conversation  w^as  about  to  stagnate,  when  all  at 
once  the  madcap  sprang  from  his  seat,  and  in  a  few 
moments  returned  with  a  book,  proposing  to  read  to 
the  company.  Lucinda  forbore  not  to  inquire  how 
this  notion  had  occurred  to  him,  now  for  the  first  time 
in  a  twelvemonth.  "Everything  occurs  to  me,"  said 
he,  "  at  the  proper  season  :  this  is  more  than  you  can 
say  for  yourself."  He  read  them  a  series  of  genuine 
antique  tales,  such  as  lead  man  away  from  himself, 
flattermg  his  wishes,  and  makuig  him  forget  all  those 
restrictions  between  which,  even  in  the  happiest  mo- 
ments, we  are  still  hemmed  in. 

"  Wliat  shall  I  do  now  ? "  cried  Lucidor,  when  at 
last  he  saw  himself  alone.  "  The  hour  presses  on  :  in 
Antoni  I  have  no  trust ;  he  is  an  utter  stranger ;  I 
know  not  who  he  is,  how  he  comes  to  be  here,  nor 
what  he  wants :  Lucinda  seems  to  be  his  object ;  and, 
if  so,  what  can  I  expect  of  him  ?  Nothing  remains  for 
me  but  applying  to  Lucinda  herself :  she  must  know  of 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  221 

it,  she  before  all  others.  This  was  my  first  feeling : 
why  do  we  stray  into  side-paths  and  suljterfuges  ?  My 
first  thought  shall  be  my  last,  and  1  hope  to  reach 
my  aim." 

On  Saturday  morning  Lucidor,  dressed  at  an  early 
hour,  was  walking  to  and  fro  in  his  chamber,  thinking 
and  conning  over  his  projected  address  to  Lucinda, 
when  he  heard  a  sort  of  jestful  contention  before  his 
door;  and  the  door  itself  directly  afterward  went  up. 
The  mad  younker  was  shoving  in  a  boy  Ijefore  him 
with  coffee  and  baked  ware  for  the  guest :  he  himself 
carried  cold  meats  and  wine.  "  Go  thou  foremost," 
cried  the  younker,  "  for  the  guest  must  be  first  served : 
I  am  used  to  serve  myself.  My  friend,  to-day  T  am 
entering  somewhat  early  and  tunmltuously  :  l)ut  let  us 
take  our  breakfast  in  peace  ;  then  we  shall  see  wliat  is 
to  be  done,  for  of  our  company  there  is  nothing  to  be 
hoped.  The  little  one  is  not  yet  back  from  her  friend : 
they  two  have  to  pour  out  their  hearts  together  every 
fortnight,  otherwise  the  poor,  dear  hearts  would  burst. 
On  Saturdays  Lucinda  is  good  for  nothing :  she  balances 
her  household  accounts  for  my  father  ;  she  would  have 
had  me  taking  share  in  the  concern,  but  Heaven  for- 
bid !  When  I  know  the  price  of  anything,  no  morsel 
of  it  can  I  relish.  Guests  are  expected  to-morrow  ; 
the  old  man  has  not  yet  got  refitted  :  Antoni  is  gone  to 
hunt ;  we  will  do  the  same." 

Guns,  pouches,  and  dogs  were  ready  as  our  pair 
stepped  down  into  the  court ;  and  now  they  set  forth 
over  field  and  hill,  shooting  at  best  a  leveret  or  so,  and 
perhaps  here  and  there  a  poor,  indifferent,  undeserving 
bird.  Meanwhile  they  kept  talking  of  domestic  affairs, 
of  the  household,  and  company  at  present  assembled 
in  it.  Antoni  was  mentioned,  and  Lucidor  failed  not 
to  inquire  more  narrowly  about  him.  The  gay  younker, 
with  some  self-complaisance,  asserted,  that  strange  as 
the  man  was,  and   much  mystery  as  he  made  about 


222  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

himself,  he,  the  gay  younker,  had  ah-eady  seen  through 
him  and  through  him.  "  Without  doubt,"  continued 
he,  "Autoni  is  the  son  of  a  rich  mercantile  family, 
whose  large  partnership  concern  fell  to  ruin  at  the 
very  time  when  he,  in  the  full  vigour  of  youth,  was 
preparing  to  take  a  cheerful  and  active  hand  in  their 
great  undertakings,  and,  withal,  to  share  in  their  abun- 
dant profits.  Dashed  down  from  the  summit  of  his 
hopes,  he  gathered  himself  together,  and  undertook  to 
perform  for  strangers  what  he  was  no  longer  in  a  case 
to  perform  for  his  relatives.  And  so  he  travelled 
through  the  world,  became  thoroughly  acquaiated  with 
it  and  its  mutual  traffickings ;  in  the  meanwhile  not 
forgetting  his  own  advantage.  Unwearied  diligence  and 
tried  fidehty  obtained  and  secured  for  him  unbounded 
confidence  from  many.  Thus  in  all  places  he  acquired 
connections  and  friends :  nay,  it  is  easy  to  see  that  his 
fortune  is  as  wddely  scattered  abroad  as  his  acquaint- 
ance; and,  accordingly,  his  presence  is  from  time  to 
time  requhed  in  all  quarters  of  the  world." 

These  things  the  merry  younker  told  in  a  more 
circumstantial  and  simple  style,  introducing  many 
farcical  observations,  as  if  he  meant  to  spin  out  his 
story  to  full  length. 

"  How  long,  for  instance,"  cried  he,  "  has  tliis  Antoni 
been  connected  with  my  father  ?  They  think  I  see 
notliing  because  I  trouble  myself  about  nothing;  but 
for  this  very  reason  I  see  it  better,  as  I  take  no  interest 
in  it.  To  my  father  he  has  entrusted  large  sums,  who, 
again,  has  deposited  them  securely  and  to  advantage. 
It  was  but  last  night  that  he  gave  our  old  dietetic 
friend  a  casket  of  jewels  ;  a  finer,  simpler,  costher  piece 
of  ware  I  never  cast  my  eyes  on :  though  I  saw 
this  only  with  a  single  glance,  for  they  make  a  secret 
of  it.  Most  probably  it  is  to  be  consigned  to  the 
bride  for  her  pleasure,  satisfaction,  and  future  security. 
Antoni  has  set  his  heart  on  Lucinda !     Yet,  when  I 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  223 

see  them  togeLlicr,  1  cuimoL  Lhuik  it  a  well-assorted 
match.  The  hop-skip  would  have  suited  him  bi'tter  : 
I  believe,  too,  she  would  take  Mm  sooner  thau  the 
elder  would.  Many  a  time  I  .see  her  looking  over  to 
the  old  curnuulgeon,  so  gay  and  .sympathetic,  as  if  .she 
could  find  in  her  heart  to  spring  int(j  the  C(jach  with 
him,  and  fly  off  at  full  gallop."  Lucidor  collected 
himself ;  he  knew  not  what  to  answer ;  all  that  he 
heard  obtained  his  internal  approbation.  The  younker 
proceeded,  "  All  along  the  girl  has  had  a  perverted 
hking  for  old  people  :  I  beheve,  of  a  truth,  she  w(juld 
have  skipped  away  and  wedded  your  father  as  briskly 
as  she  would  his  son." 

Lucidor  followed  his  companion  over  stock  and 
stone,  as  it  pleased  the  gay  youth  to  lead  him :  both 
forgot  the  chase,  which,  at  any  rate,  could  not  be 
productive.  They  called  at  a  farmhouse,  whei'C,  being 
hospitably  received,  the  one  friend  entertained  himself 
with  eating,  drinking,  and  tattling ;  the  other  again 
plunged  into  meditations  and  projects  for  turning  this 
new  discovery  to  his  own  profit. 

From  all  these  narrations  and  disclosures  Lucidor 
had  acquired  so  much  confidence  in  Antoni,  that, 
immediately  on  their  return,  he  asked  for  him,  and 
hastened  into  the  garden  where  he  was  said  to  be.  In 
vain  !  No  soul  was  to  be  seen  anywhere.  At  last  he 
entered  the  door  of  the  great  hall :  and  strange  enough 
the  setting  sun,  reflected  from  the  mirror,  so  dazzled 
him  that  he  could  not  recognise  the  two  persons  who 
were  sitting  on  the  sofa  ;  though  he  saw  distinctly  that 
it  was  a  lady  and  a  man,  which  latter  was  that  instant 
warmly  kissing  the  hand  of  his  companion.  How 
gi'eat,  accordingly,  was  Lucidor's  astonishment  when, 
on  recovering  his  clearness  of  vision,  he  beheld  Antoni 
sitting  by  Lucinda.  He  was  Hke  to  sink  through  the 
ground  ;  he  stood,  however,  as  if  rooted  to  the  spot,  till 
Lucinda,  in  the  kindest,  most  unembarrassed  manner, 


2  24  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

shifted  a  little  to  a  side,  and  invited  him  to  take  a  seat 
on  her  right  hand.  Unconsciously  he  obeyed  her ; 
and  while  she  addressed  him,  inquiring  after  his  pres- 
ent day's  history,  asking  pardon  for  her  absence  on 
domestic  engagements,  he  could  scarcely  hear  her  voice. 
Antoni  rose,  and  took  his  leave :  Lucinda,  resting  her- 
self from  her  toil  as  the  others  were  doing,  invited 
Lucidor  to  a  short  stroll.  Walking  by  her  side  he  was 
silent  and  embarrassed  :  she,  too,  seemed  ill  at  ease ; 
and,  had  he  been  in  the  sHghtest  degi-ee  seK-collected, 
her  deep-drawn  breathing  must  have  disclosed  to  him 
that  she  had  heartfelt  sighs  to  suppress.  She  at  last 
took  her  leave  as  they  approached  the  house :  he, 
on  the  other  hand,  turned  round  at  first  slowly,  then  at 
a  violent  pace,  to  the  open  country.  The  park  was 
too  narrow  for  him :  he  hastened  through  the  fields, 
listening  only  to  the  voice  of  his  heart,  and  without 
eyes  for  the  beauties  of  tliis  loveliest  evening.  When 
he  found  himself  alone,  and  his  feehngs  were  reheving 
their  violence  in  a  shower  of  tears,  he  exclaimed : 

"  Already  in  my  life,  but  never  with  such  fierceness, 
have  I  felt  the  agony  which  now  makes  me  altogether 
wretched,  —  to  see  the  long-wished-for  happiness  at 
length  reach  me,  hand  in  hand  and  arm  in  arm 
unite  with  me,  and  at  the  same  moment  announce 
its  eternal  departure !  I  was  sitting  by  her,  I  was 
walking  by  her,  her  fluttering  garment  touched  me; 
and  I  have  lost  her !  Eeckon  it  not  over,  torture  not 
thy  heart  with  it,  be  silent  and  determine ! " 

He  laid  a  prohibition  on  his  hps :  he  held  his  peace, 
and  planned  and  meditated ;  stepping  over  field  and 
meadow  and  bush,  not  always  by  the  smoothest  paths. 
Late  at  night,  on  returning  to  his  chamber,  he  gave 
voice  to  his  thoughts  for  a  moment,  and  cried,  "  To- 
morrow morning  I  am  gone :  another  such  day  I  will 
not  front." 

And  so,  without  undressing,  he  threw  himself  on 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  225 

the  bed.  Happy,  healthy  season  of  youth !  He  was 
already  asleep :  the  fatigiiiug  motion  of  the  day  had 
earned  for  him  the  sweetest  rest.  Out  of  bright  morn- 
ing dreams,  however,  the  earliest  sun  awoke  him :  this 
was  the  longest  day  in  the  year,  and  for  him  it  threat- 
ened to  be  too  long.  If  the  grace  of  the  peaceful 
evening  star  had  passed  over  him  unnoticed,  he  felt 
the  awakening  beauty  of  the  morning  only  to  despair. 
The  world  was  lying  here  as  glorious  as  ever ;  to  his 
eyes  it  was  still  so,  but  his  soul  contradicted  it : 
all  this  belonged  to  him  no  longer ;  he  had  lost 
Lucinda. 

His  travelliug-lmg  was  soon  packed ;  this  he  was  to 
leave  behind  him  ;  he  left  no  letter  with  it :  a  verbal 
message  in  excuse  of  absence  from  dinner,  perhaps  also 
from  supper,  might  be  left  with  the  groom,  whom,  at 
any  rate,  he  must  awaken.  The  groom,  however,  was 
awake  already :  Lucidor  found  him  in  the  yard,  walk- 
ing with  large  strides  before  the  stable  door.  "  You  do 
not  mean  to  ride  ? "  cried  the  usually  good-natured 
man,  with  a  tone  of  some  spleen.  "  To  you  I  may  say 
it,  but  young  master  is  growing  worse  and  worse. 
There  was  he  driving  about  far  and  near  yesterday  : 
you  might  have  thought  he  would  thank  God  for 
a  Sunday  to  rest  in.  And  see  if  he  does  not  come  this 
morning  before  daybreak,  rummages  about  in  the 
stable,  and,  while  I  am  getting  up,  saddles  and  bridles 
your  horse,  flings  himself  on  it,  and  cries,  '  Do  but  con- 
sider the  good  work  I  am  doing !  This  beast  keeps 
jogging  on  at  a  staid,  juridical  trot :  I  must  see  and 
rouse  him  into  a  smart  life-gallop.'  He  said  something 
just  so,  and  other  strange  speeches  besides." 

Lucidor  was  doubly  and  trebly  vexed :  he  liked  the 
horse,  as  corresponding  to  his  own  character,  liis  own 
mode  of  life ;  it  grieved  him  to  figure  his  good,  sensible 
beast  in  the  hands  of  a  madcap.  His  plan,  too,  was 
overturned,  —  his  purpose  of  flying  to  a  college  friend 


226  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

with  whom  he  had  hved  in  cheerful,  cordial  union,  and 
in  this  crisis  seeking  refuge  beside  liini.  His  old  confi- 
dence had  been  awakened,  the  intervening  miles  were 
not  counted  :  he  had  fancied  himself  already  at  the 
side  of  his  true-hearted  and  judicious  friend,  finding 
counsel  and  assuagement  from  his  words  and  looks. 
This  prospect  was  now  cut  off,  yet  not  entirely,  if 
he  could  venture  with  the  fresh,  pedestrian  Hmbs 
which  still  stood  at  his  command  to  set  forth  toward 
the  goal. 

Fii'st  of  all,  accordingly,  he  struck  through  the 
park ;  making  for  the  open  country,  and  the  road 
which  was  to  lead  him  to  his  friend.  Of  his  direction 
he  was  not  quite  certain,  when,  looking  to  the  left,  his 
eye  fell  upon  the  hermitage,  wliich  had  hitherto  been 
kept  secret  from  Mm,  —  a  strange  edifice,  rising  with 
gi'otesque  joinery  through  bush  and  tree ;  and  here,  to 
his  extreme  astonishment,  he  observed  the  good  old 
man,  who  for  some  days  had  been  considered  sick, 
standing  in  the  gallery  under  the  Cliinese  roof,  and 
looking  blithely  through  the  soft  morning.  The  friend- 
liest salutation,  the  most  pressing  entreaties  to  come 
up,  Lucidor  resisted  with  excuses  and  gestures  of  haste. 
Nothing  but  sympathy  with  the  good  old  man,  who, 
hastening  down  with  infirm  step,  seemed  every  moment 
in  danger  of  falling  to  the  bottom,  could  induce  him  to 
turn  thither,  and  then  suffer  himself  to  be  conducted 
up.  With  surprise  he  entered  the  pretty  little  hall ; 
it  had  only  three  windows,  turned  toward  the  park,  —  a 
most  graceful  prospect :  the  other  sides  were  decorated, 
or,  rather,  covered  with  hundreds  of  portraits,  copper- 
plate or  painted,  which  were  fixed  in  a  certain  order 
to  the  wall,  and  separated  by  coloured  borders  and 
interstices. 

"  I  favour  you,  my  friend,  more  than  I  do  every  one  : 
this  is  the  sanctuary  in  which  I  peacefully  spend  my 
last  days.     Here  I  recover  myself  from  all  the  mistakes 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  227 

which  society  tempts  me  to  coiiiinit :  here  my  dietetic 
errors  ai-e  corrected,  and  my  old  being  is  again  restored 
to  e(|iulil»rium." 

Lucidor  looked  over  the  place ;  and,  being  well  read 
in  history,  he  easily  observed  that  an  historical  taste 
had  presided  in  its  arrangement. 

"  Above,  there,  in  the  frieze,"  said  the  old  virtuoso, 
"  you  will  find  the  names  of  distinguished  men  in  the 
primitive  ages ;  then  those  of  later  antiquity ;  yet  still 
only  their  names,  for  how  they  looked  would  now  be 
difficult  to  discover.  But  here,  in  the  main  field, 
comes  my  own  life  into  play  :  here  are  the  men  whose 
names  1  used  to  hear  mentioned  in  my  boyliood.  For 
some  fifty  years  or  so  the  name  of  a  distinguished  man 
continues  in  the  remembrance  of  the  people :  then  it 
vanishes,  or  becomes  fabulous.  Though  of  German 
parentage,  I  was  born  in  Holland  ;  and,  for  me, 
William  of  Orange,  Stadtholder,  and  King  of  England, 
is  the  patriarch  of  all  common  great  men  and  heroes. 

"  Now,  close  by  William,  you  observe  Louis  Four- 
teenth as  the  person  who  — "  How  gladly  would 
Lucidor  have  cut  short  the  good  old  man,  had  it  but 
been  permitted  him,  as  it  is  to  us  the  narrators :  for 
the  whole  late  and  latest  history  of  the  world  seemed 
impending ;  as  from  the  portraits  of  Frederick  the 
Great  and  his  generals,  toward  which  he  was  glancing, 
was  but  too  clearly  to  be  gathered. 

And  though  the  kindly  young  man  could  not  but 
respect  his  old  friend's  lively  sympathy  in  these  things, 
nor  deny  that  some  individual  features  and  views  in 
this  exhibitory  discourse  might  be  interesting ;  yet  at 
college  he  had  heard  the  late  and  latest  history  of 
Europe  already :  and,  what  a  man  has  once  heard,  he 
fancies  himself  to  know  for  ever.  Lucidor's  thoughts 
were  wandering  far  away :  he  heard  not,  he  scarcely 
saw,  and  was  just  on  the  point,  in  spite  of  all  polite- 
ness, of  flinging  himself  out,  and  tumbling  down  the 


2  28  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

long,  fatal  stair,  when  a  loud   clapping  of  hands  was 
heard  from  below. 

While  Lucidor  restrained  his  movement,  the  old  man 
looked  over  through  the  window ;  and  a  well-known 
voice  resounded  from  beneath,  "  Come  down,  for 
Heaven's  sake,  out  of  your  historic  picture-gallery,  old 
gentleman !  Conclude  your  fasts  and  humiliations, 
and  help  me  to  appease  our  young  friend,  when  he 
learns  it.  Lucidor's  horse  I  have  ridden  somewhat 
hard :  it  has  lost  a  shoe,  and  I  was  obliged  to  leave 
the  beast  behind  me.  What  wiU  he  say  ?  He  is  too 
absurd,  when  one  behaves  absurdly." 

"  Come  up,"  said  the  old  man,  and  turning  in  to 
Lucidor.  "  Now  what  say  you  ? "  Lucidor  was  silent, 
and  the  wild  blade  entered.  The  discussion  of  the 
business  lasted  long :  at  length  it  was  determined  to 
despatch  the  gi-oom  forthwith,  that  he  might  seek  the 
horse,  and  take  charge  of  it. 

Leaving  the  old  man,  the  two  younkers  hastened  to 
the  house ;  Lucidor,  not  quite  unwillingly,  submitting 
to  this  arrangement.  Come  of  it  what  might,  within 
these  walls  the  sole  wish  of  his  heart  was  included. 
In  such  desperate  cases,  we  are,  at  any  rate,  cut  off 
from  the  assistance  of  our  free  will ;  and  we  feel  our- 
selves relieved  for  a  moment,  when,  from  any  quarter, 
direction  and  constraint  take  hold  of  us.  Yet,  on  enter- 
ing his  chamber,  he  found  himself  in  the  strangest 
mood,  —  like  a  man  who,  having  just  left  an  apart- 
ment of  an  inn,  is  forced  to  return  to  it  by  the  breaking 
of  an  axle. 

The  gay  younker  fell  upon  the  traveUing-bag,  unpack- 
ing it  all  in  due  order  ;  especially  selecting  every  article 
of  holiday  apparel,  which,  though  only  on  the  travelhng 
scale,  was  to  be  found  there.  He  forced  Lucidor  to  put 
on  fresh  shoes  and  stockings :  he  dressed  for  him  his 
clustering  brown  locks,  and  decked  him  at  all  points 
with  his  best  skill.     Then  stepping  back,  and  surveying 


i~r->' 


MEISTER  S    TRAVELS  229 

our  friend  and  his  own  handiwork  from  head  to  foot, 
he  exclaimed,  "  Now,  then,  my  good  fellow,  you  do  look 
like  a  mau  that  has  some  pretensions  to  pretty  damsels, 
and  serious  enough,  moreover,  to  spy  about  you  for  a 
bride  !  Wait  one  moment !  You  shall  see  how  I,  too, 
can  produce  myself,  when  the  hour  strikes.  This  knack 
I  learned  from  your  military  officers ;  the  girls  are  al- 
ways glancing  at  them :  so  I  likewise  have  enrolled 
myself  among  a  certain  soldiery ;  and  now  they  look 
at  me,  too,  and  look  again ;  and  no  soul  of  them  knows 
what  to  make  of  it.  And  so,  from  this  looking  and 
re-looking,  from  this  surprise  and  attention,  a  pretty 
enough  result  now  and  then  arises  ;  which,  though  it 
were  not  lasting,  is  worth  enjoying  for  the  moment. 

"  But  come  along,  my  friend,  and  do  the  like  service 
for  me.  When  you  have  seen  me  case  myself  by  piece- 
meal in  my  equipment,  you  will  not  say  that  wit  and 
invention  have  been  denied  me."  He  now  led  his  friend 
through  several  long,  spacious  passages  of  the  old  castle. 
"  I  have  quite  nestled  myself  here,"  cried  he.  "  Though 
I  care  not  for  hiding,  I  like  to  be  alone :  you  can  do  no 
good  with  other  people." 

They  were  passing  by  the  office-rooms  just  as  a  ser- 
vant came  out  with  a  patriarchal  writing  apparatus, 
black,  massive,  and  complete:  paper,  too,  was  not 
forgotten. 

"  I  know  what  it  is  to  be  blotted  here  again,"  cried 
the  younker :  "  go  thy  ways,  and  leave  me  the  key. 
Take  a  look  of  the  place,  Lucidor :  it  will  amuse  you 
till  I  am  dressed.  To  a  friend  of  justice,  such  a  spot 
is  not  odious,  as  to  a  tamer  of  horses."  And,  with  this, 
he  pushed  Lucidor  into  the  hall  of  judgment. 

Lucidor  felt  himself  directly  in  a  well-known  and 
friendly  element :  he  thought  of  the  days  when  he, 
fixed  dowTi  to  business,  had  sat  at  such  a  table,  and, 
listening  and  writing,  had  trained  himself  to  his  art. 
Nor  did  he  fail  to  observe,  that  in  this  case  an  old, 


230  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

stately,  domestic  chapel  had,  under  the  change  of  relig- 
ious ideas,  been  converted  to  the  service  of  Themis.  In 
the  repositories  he  found  some  titles  and  acts  already 
familiar  to  him :  in  these  very  matters  he  had  cooper- 
ated while  labouring  in  the  capital.  Opening  a  bundle 
of  papers,  there  came  into  his  hands  a  rescript  which 
he  himself  had  dictated ;  another  of  wliich  he  had  been 
the  originator.  Handwriting  and  paper,  signet  and  pres- 
ident's signature,  everything  recalled  to  Mm  that  season 
of  juridical  effort,  of  youthful  hope.  And  here,  when 
he  looked  round,  and  saw  the  Oheramtmann' s  chair, 
appointed  and  intended  for  himself ;  so  fair  a  place,  so 
dignified  a  circle  of  activity,  which  he  was  now  like  to 
cast  away  and  utterly  lose,  —  all  this  oppressed  him 
doubly  and  trebly,  as  the  form  of  Lucinda  seemed  to 
retire  from  him  at  the  same  time. 

He  turned  to  go  out  into  the  open  air,  but  found 
himself  a  prisoner.  His  gay  friend,  heedlessly  or  rogu- 
ishly, had  left  the  door  locked.  Lucidor,  however,  did 
not  long  continue  in  this  durance ;  for  the  other  re- 
turned, apologised  for  his  oversight,  and  really  called 
forth  good  humour  by  his  singular  appearance.  A  cer- 
tain audacity  of  colour  and  cut  in  his  clothes  was 
softened  by  natural  taste,  as  even  to  tattooed  Indians 
we  refuse  not  a  certain  approbation.  "  To-day,"  cried 
he, "  the  tedium  of  by-gone  days  shall  be  made  good  to 
us.  Worthy  friends,  merry  friends,  are  come ;  pretty 
girls,  roguish  and  fond ;  and  my  father,  to  boot ;  and, 
wonder  on  wonder !  your  father  too.  This  will  be  a 
festival  truly :  they  are  all  assembled  for  breakfast  in 
the  parlour." 

With  Lucidor,  at  this  piece  of  information,  it  was  as 
if  he  were  looking  into  deep  fog :  all  the  figures,  known 
and  unknown,  which  the  words  announced  to  him,  as- 
sumed a  spectral  aspect ;  yet  his  resolution,  and  the 
consciousness  of  a  pure  heart,  sustained  him :  and  in  a 
few  seconds  he  felt  himself  prepared  for   everything. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  231 

He  followed  his  hasteniii},'  frieud  with  a  steady  step, 
firmly  determined  to  await  the  issue,  be  what  it 
might,  and  explain  his  own  purposes,  come  what  come 
might. 

And  yet,  at  the  very  threshold  of  the  hall,  he  was 
struck  with  some  alarm.  In  a  large  half-circle,  ranged 
round  by  the  windows,  he  immeiliately  descried  liis 
father  with  tiie  Oberamtmann,  both  splendidly  attired. 
The  two  sisters,  Antoui,  and  others  known  and  un- 
known, he  hurried  over  with  a  glance  which  was 
threatening  to  giow  dim.  Half  wavering,  he  ap- 
proached liis  father,  who  bade  him  welcome  with  the 
utmost  kindness,  yet  in  a  certain  style  of  formality 
which  scarcely  invited  any  trustful  application.  Stand- 
ing before  so  many  persons,  he  looked  round  to  find  a 
place  among  them  for  a  moment ;  he  might  have  ar- 
ranged himself  Ijeside  Lucinda :  but  Julia,  contrary  to 
the  rigour  of  etiquette,  made  room  for  him ;  so  that  he 
was  forced  to  step  to  her  side.  Antoni  continued  by 
Lucinda. 

At  this  important  moment  Lucidor  again  felt  as  if 
he  were  a  delegate ;  and,  steeled  by  his  whole  juridical 
science,  he  called  vip  in  his  own  favour  the  fine  maxim. 
That  we  should  transact  affairs  delegated  to  us  by  a 
stranger  as  if  they  were  our  own ;  why  not  our  own, 
therefore,  in  the  same  spirit  ?  Well  practised  in  official 
orations,  he  speedily  ran  over  what  he  had  to  say.  But 
the  company,  ranged  in  a  formal  semicircle,  seemed  to 
outflank  him.  The  purport  of  his  speech  he  knew  well : 
the  beginning  of  it  he  could  not  find.  At  this  crisis  he 
observed  on  a  table,  in  the  corner,  the  large  iukglass, 
and  several  clerks  sitting  round  it :  the  Oheramtmann 
made  a  movement  as  if  to  solicit  attention  for  a  speech  ; 
Lucidor  wished  to  anticipate  him :  and,  at  that  very 
moment,  Julia  pressed  his  hand.  This  threw  him  out 
of  all  self-possession,  convinced  liim  that  all  was 
decided,  all  lost  for  him. 


232  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 


With  the  whole  of  these  negotiations,  these  family 
alhances,  ^vith  social  conventions,  and  rules  of  good 
manners,  he  had  now  nothing  more  to  do :  he  snatched 
his  hand  from  Julia's,  and  vanished  so  rapidly  from  the 
room,  that  the  company  lost  him  unawares ;  and  he 
out  of  doors  could  not  find  himself  again. 

Shrinking  from  the  light  of  day,  which  shone  down 
upon  him  in  its  highest  splendour;  avoiding  the  eyes 
of  men ;  dreading  search  and  pursuit,  —  he  hurried  for- 
wards, and  reached  the  large  garden-hall.  Here  his 
laiees  were  like  to  fail  him :  he  rushed  in,  and  threw 
liimself,  utterly  comfortless,  upon  the  sofa  beneath  the 
mirror.  Amid  the  polished  arrangements  of  society,  to 
be  caught  in  such  unspeakable  perplexity !  It  dashed 
to  and  fro  like  waves  about  him  and  within  him.  His 
past  existence  was  strugghng  with  his  present :  it  was 
a  frightful  moment. 

And  so  he  lay  for  a  time,  with  liis  face  hid  in  the 
cushion  on  which  last  night  Lucinda's  arm  had  rested. 
Altogether  sunk  in  his  sorrow,  he  had  heard  no  foot- 
steps approach :  feeling  some  one  touch  liim,  he  started 
up,  and  perceived  Lucinda  standing  by  Ms  side. 

Fancying  they  had  sent  her  to  bring  him  back,  had 
commissioned  her  to  lead  him  with  fit,  sisterly  words 
into  the  assemblage  to  front  his  hated  doom,  he  ex- 
claimed, "  You  they  should  not  have  sent,  Lucinda ; 
for  it  was  you  that  drove  me  away.  I  will  not  return. 
Give  me,  if  you  are  capable  of  any  pity,  procure  me, 
convenience  and  means  of  flight.  For,  that  you  yourself 
may  testify  how  impossible  it  was  to  bring  me  back, 
hsten  to  the  explanation  of  my  conduct,  which  to  you 
and  all  of  them  must  seem  insane.  Hear  now  the  oath 
which  I  have  sworn  in  my  soul,  and  which  I  inces- 
santly repeat  in  words :  with  you  only  did  I  wish  to 
live,  with  you  to  enjoy,  to  employ  my  days,  from  youth 
to  old  age,  in  true,  honourable  union.  And  let  this  be 
as  firm  and  sure  as  aught  ever  sworn  before  the  altar, 


MEISTER'S  TRAVELS  233 

—  this,  which  T  now  swear,  now  when  I  leave  you, 
the  most  pitiable  of  all  men." 

He  made  a  movement  to  glide  past  her,  as  she  stood 
close  before  liim ;  but  she  caught  him  softly  in  her 
arms.     "  What  is  this  ? "  exclaimed  he. 

"  Lucidor  !  "  cried  she,  "  not  pitiable  as  you  think  : 
you  are  mine,  I  am  yours ;  I  hold  you  in  my  arms ; 
delay  not  to  throw  your  arms  about  me.  Your  father 
has  agreed  to  all :  Antoni  marries  my  sister." 

In  astonishment  he  recoiled  from  her.  "  Can  it 
be  ? "  Lucinda  smiled  and  nodded :  he  drew  back  from 
her  arms.  "  Let  me  view  once  more,  at  a  distance, 
what  is  to  be  mine  so  nearly,  so  insejiarably ! "  He 
grasped  her  hands  :  "  Lucinda,  are  you  mine  ? " 

She  answered,  "  "Well,  then,  yes,"  the  sweetest  tears 
in  the  truest  eyes :  he  clasped  her  to  his  breast,  and 
threw  his  head  behind  hers ;  he  hung  like  a  ship- 
wrecked mariner  on  the  cliffs  of  the  coast ;  the  ground 
still  shook  under  him.  And  now  his  enraptured  eye, 
again  opening,  lighted  on  the  mirror.  He  saw  her  there 
in  his  arms,  liimself  clasped  in  hers :  he  looked  down 
and  again  to  the  image.  Such  emotions  accompany 
man  throughout  his  life.  In  the  mirror,  also,  he  beheld 
the  landscape,  which  last  night  had  appeared  to  him 
so  baleful  and  ominous,  now  lying  fairer  and  brighter 
than  ever;  and  himself  in  such  a  posture,  on  such  a 
background  !     Abundant  recompense  for  all  sorrows  ! 

"  We  are  not  alone,"  said  Lucinda ;  and  scarcely  had 
he  recovered  from  his  rapture,  when,  all  decked  and 
garlanded,  a  company  of  girls  and  boys  came  forward, 
carrying  wreaths  of  flowers,  and  crowding  the  entrance 
of  the  hall.  "  This  is  not  the  way,"  cried  Lucinda : 
"  how  prettily  it  was  arranged,  and  now  it  is  all  run- 
ning into  tumult ! "  A  gay  march  sounded  from  a  dis- 
tance, and  the  company  were  seen  coming  on  by  the 
large  road  in  stately  procession.  Lucidor  hesitated  to 
advance  toward  them:  only  on  her  arm  did  he  seem 


234  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

certain  of  his  steps.  She  stayed  beside  him ;  expect- 
ing from  moment  to  moment  the  solemn  scene  of 
meeting,  of  thanks  for  pardon  already  given. 

But  by  the  capricious  gods  it  was  otherwise  deter- 
mined. The  gay,  clanging  sound  of  a  postiHon's  horn 
from  the  opposite  side  seemed  to  throw  the  whole 
ceremony  into  rout.  "  Who  can  be  coming  ? "  cried 
Lucinda.  The  thought  of  a  strange  presence  was 
frightful  to  Lucidor,  and  the  carriage  seemed  entirely 
unknown  to  him.  A  double-seated,  new,  spick-and- 
span  new,  travelling-chaise  !  It  rolled  up  to  the  hall. 
A  well-dressed,  handsome  boy  sprang  down,  opened 
the  door ;  but  no  one  dismounted ;  the  chaise  was 
empty.  The  boy  stepped  into  it :  with  a  dexterous 
touch  or  two  he  threw  back  the  tilts ;  and  there,  in  a 
twinkling,  stood  the  daintiest  vehicle  in  readiness  for 
the  gayest  drive,  before  the  eyes  of  the  whole  party, 
who  were  now  advancing  to  the  spot.  Antoni,  out- 
hastenmg  the  rest,  led  Julia  to  the  carriage.  "  Try  if 
this  machine,"  said  he,  "  will  please  you ;  if  you  can  sit 
in  it,  and,  over  the  smoothest  roads,  roll  through  the 
world  beside  me :  I  will  lead  you  by  no  other  but  the 
smoothest ;  and,  when  a  strait  comes,  we  shall  know 
how  to  help  ourselves.  Over  the  mountains  sumpters 
shall  carry  us,  and  our  coach  also." 

"  You  are  a  dear  creature  ! "  cried  Julia.  The  boy 
came  forward,  and,  with  the  quickness  of  a  conjurer,  ex- 
hibited all  the  conveniences,  httle  advantages,  comforts, 
and  celerities  of  the  whole  light  edifice. 

"  On  earth  I  have  no  thanks,"  cried  Julia ;  "  but 
from  this  little  moving  heaven,  from  this  cloud,  into 
which  you  raise  me,  I  will  heartily  thank  you."  She 
had  already  bounded  in,  throwing  him  kind  looks,  and 
a  kiss  of  the  hand.  "  For  the  present  you  come  not 
hither ;  but  there  is  another  whom  I  mean  to  take 
along  with  me  in  this  proof-excursion,  —  he  himself 
has  still  a  proof  to  undergo."     She  called  to  Lucidor, 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  235 

who,  just  then  occu})ied  in  mute  conversation  with  liis 
fath(n-  and  father-in-law,  wilHngly  took  refuge  in  the 
hglit  vehicle,  feeling  an  irresistible  necessity  to  dissipate 
his  thoughts  in  some  way  or  other,  though  it  were  but 
for  a  moment.  He  placed  himself  beside  her :  she 
directed  the  postilion  where  he  was  to  drive.  Instantly 
they  darted  off,  enveloped  ui  a  cloud  of  dust,  and 
vanished  from  the  eyes  of  the  amazed  spectators. 

Julia  fixed  herself  in  the  corner  as  firmly  and  com- 
modiously  as  she  could  wish.  "  Now  do  you  shift  into 
that  one,  too,  good  brother ;  so  that  we  may  look  each 
other  rightly  in  the  face." 

Lucidor.  You  feel  my  confusion,  my  embarrass- 
ment.    I  am  still  as  if  in  a  dream.     Help  me  out  of  it. 

Julia.  Look  at  these  gay  peasants.  How  kindly 
they  salute  us  !  You  have  never  seen  the  Upper  Ham- 
let yet,  since  you  came  hither.  All  good,  substantial 
people  there,  and  all  thoroughly  devoted  to  me.  No 
one  of  them  so  rich  that  you  cannot,  by  a  time,  do  a 
httle  kind  service  to  Mm.  Tliis  road,  which  we  whirl 
along  so  smoothly,  is  my  father's  domg,  —  another  of 
his  benefits  to  the  community. 

Lucidor.  I  believe  it,  and  willingly  admit  it ;  but 
what  have  these  external  things  to  do  with  the  per- 
plexity of  my  mternal  feelings  ? 

Jidia.  Patience  a  httle !  I  will  show  you  the 
riches  of  this  world,  and  the  glory  thereof.  Here  now 
we  are  at  the  top.  Do  but  look  how  clear  the  level 
country  lies  all  round  us,  leaning  against  the  moun- 
tains. All  these  villages  are  much,  much  indebted  to 
my  father ;  to  mother  and  daughters  too.  The  grounds 
of  yon  little  hamlet  are  the  border. 

Lucidor.  Surely  you  are  in  a  very  strange  mood : 
you  do  not  seem  to  be  saying  what  you  mean  to  say. 

Julia.  But  now  look  down  to  the  left.  How  beau- 
tifully all  this  unfolds  itself !  The  church,  with  its 
high  hndeus ;  the  Amthaus,  with  its  poplars,  behind 


236  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

the  village  knoll.     Here,  too,  are  the  garden  and  the 
park. 

The  postilion  drove  faster. 

Julia.  The  Hall  up  yonder  you  know.  It  looks 
almost  as  well  here  as  this  scene  does  from  it.  Here, 
at  the  tree,  we  shall  stop  a  moment.  Now,  in  this 
very  spot  our  image  is  reflected  in  the  large  mirror : 
there  they  see  us  full  well,  but  we  cannot  see  our- 
selves. —  Go  along,  postilion !  There,  some  little 
while  ago,  two  people,  I  beheve,  were  reflected  at  a 
shorter  distance,  and,  if  1  am  not  exceedingly  mistaken, 
to  their  great  mutual  satisfaction. 

Lucidor,  in  ill-humour,  answered  nothing.  They 
went  on  for  some  time  in  silence,  driving  very  hard. 
"  Here,"  said  Julia,  "  the  bad  road  begins,  —  a  service 
left  for  you  to  do  some  day.  Before  we  go  lower,  look 
down  once  more.  My  mother's  box-tree  rises  with  its 
royal  summit  over  all  the  rest.  Thou  wilt  drive,"  con- 
tinued she,  to  the  postilion,  "down  this  rough  road: 
we  shall  take  the  footpath  through  the  dale,  and  so  be 
sooner  at  the  other  side  than  thou."  In  dismounting, 
she  cried,  "  Well,  now,  you  will  confess  the  Wandering 
Jew,  this  restless  Antoni  the  Traveller,  can  arrange 
his  pilgrimages  prettily  enough  for  himself  and  his 
companion.s.  It  is  a  very  beautiful  and  commodious 
carriage." 

And  with  this  she  tripped  away  down  hiU.  Lucidor 
followed  her  in  deep  thought:  she  was  sitting  on  a 
pleasant  seat ;  it  was  Lucinda's  Httle  spot.  She  in\ited 
him  to  sit  by  her. 

Julia.  So  now  we  are  sitting  here,  and  one  is  noth- 
ing to  the  other.  Thus  it  was  destined  to  be.  The 
little  Quicksilver  would  not  suit  you.  Love  it  you 
could  not :  it  was  hateful  to  you. 

Lucidor's  astonishment  increased. 

Julia.  But  Lucinda,  indeed !  She  is  the  paragon 
of  all  perfections,  and  the  pretty  sister  was  once  for  all 


liolpj  yd  aniJ/iicq  aril  moil  37uv£igoJori*I 


c  knoi  "'den  aj.. 

drove  1. 
The  Hall  up  vonder  you  know.     It 

'         "         "t.     iiei... 
',  in  this 

there  th-'v  - 

wh 

L- _.   _. ,  _        A-     Th-v 

went  on  for  somf  time  in  srilence,  driving  very 

"  Here,"  p.  road  begins,  —  a  service 


,tiful  and  odious 

And  w  ^  siie  t'  y  down  liiiL     Lucidor 

)  sit  by  ber. 
Julia.     So  now  we  are  sitting  here,  e  is  noth- 

the  othei         '  was  destined  to  be.     T"* 

little    ^'    '  'silver  ■.      --      x,__.    -^  ^^^^^ 

cor"''''  "•"^'■ 

eel 
-a,  inri 

i  once 

"She  invited  him  to  sit  by  her" 

Photogravure  from  the  painting  by  Leloir 


-^^v^ 


*-  -<i^" 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  237 

cast  out.  I  see  it :  the  question  hovers  on  your  lips, 
Wlio  lias  told  \is  all  so  accuialely  ? 

Lucidor.     There  is  treachery  in  it ! 

Julia.  Yes,  truly !  There  has  been  a  traitor  at 
work  in  the  matter. 

Lucidor.     Name  liim. 

Julia.  He  is  soon  unmasked  :  You  !  You  have  the 
praiseworthy  or  blameworthy  custom  of  talking  to 
yourself ;  and  now,  in  the  name  of  all,  I  must  confess 
that  in  turn  we  have  overheard  you. 

lAicidor  (starting  up).  A  sorry  piece  of  hospitahty, 
to  lay  snares  for  a  stranger  in  this  way ! 

Julia.  By  no  means.  We  thought  not  of  watching 
you  more  than  any  other.  But  you  know  your  bed 
stands  in  the  recess  of  the  wall :  on  the  opposite  side  is 
another  alcove,  commonly  employed  for  laying  up 
household  articles.  Hither,  some  days  before,  we 
had  shifted  our  old  man's  bed,  being  anxious  about 
him  in  his  remote  hermitage ;  and  here,  the  first 
night,  you  started  some  such  passionate  sohloquy, 
which  he  next  morning  took  his  opportunity  of  re- 
hearsing. 

Lucidor  had  not  the  heart  to  interrupt  her.  He 
withdrew. 

Julia  (rising  and  following  him).  "What  a  service 
this  discovery  did  us  all !  For  I  will  confess,  if  you 
were  not  positively  disagTeeable,  the  situation  which 
awaited  me  was  not  by  any  means  to  my  mind.  To 
be  Frau  Oberamtmanuin,  —  what  a  dreadful  state ! 
To  have  a  brave,  gallant  husband,  who  is  to  pass  judg- 
ment on  the  people,  and,  for  sheer  judgment,  cannot 
get  to  justice;  who  can  please  neither  high  nor  low, 
and,  what  is  worst,  not  even  himself.  I  know  what 
my  poor  mother  suffered  from  the  incorruptibility,  the 
inflexibility,  of  my  father.  At  last,  indeed,  but  not 
till  her  death,  a  certain  meekness  took  possession  of 
him :  he  seemed  to  suit  himself  to  the  world,  to  make 


238  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

a  truce  with  those  evils  which  till  then  he  had  vainly 
striven  to  conquer. 

Lucidor  (stopping  short,  extremely  discontented 
with  the  incident,  vexed  at  this  hght  mode  of  treat- 
ing it).  For  the  sport  of  an  evening  tliis  might  pass, 
but  to  practise  such  a  disgi-acing  mystification  day 
and  night  against  an  unsuspicious  stranger  is  not 
pardonable. 

Julia.  "We  are  all  equally  deep  in  the  crime,  we 
all  hearkened  you ;  yet  I  alone  pay  the  penalty 
of  eavesdropping. 

Lucidor.  All !  So  much  the  more  unpardonable. 
And  how  could  you  look  at  me,  throughout  the  day, 
without  blushing,  whom  at  night  you  were  so  con- 
temptuously overreaching  ?  But  I  see  clearly  with  a 
glance  that  your  arrangements  by  day  were  planned 
to  make  mockery  of  me.  A  fine  family  !  And  where 
was  your  father's  love  of  justice  all  this  while  ?  — 
And  Lucinda  — 

Julia.  And  Lucinda !  Wliat  a  tone  was  that ! 
You  meant  to  say,  did  not  you,  how  deeply  it  grieved 
your  heart  to  think  ill  of  Lucinda,  to  rank  her  in  a 
class  with  the  rest  of  us  ? 

Lucidor.     I  cannot  understand  Lucinda. 

Julia.  In  other  words,  this  pure,  noble  soul ;  this 
peacefully  composed  nature,  benevolence,  goodness 
itself ;  this  woman  as  she  should  be,  —  unites  with 
a  light-minded  company,  with  a  freakish  sister,  a 
spoiled  brother,  and  certain  mysterious  persons.  That 
is  incomprehensible ! 

Lucidor.     Yes,  indeed,  it  is  incomprehensible  ! 

Julia.  Comprehend  it,  then !  Lucinda,  like  the 
rest  of  us,  had  her  hands  bound.  Could  you  have 
seen  her  perplexity,  how  fain  she  would  have  told  you 
all,  how  often  she  was  on  the  very  eve  of  doing  it, 
you  would  now  love  her  doubly  and  trebly,  if,  indeed, 
true  love  were  not  always  tenfold  and  hundredfold 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  239 

of  itself.  I  can  assure  you,  moreover,  that  all  of  us 
at  length  tliought  the  joke  too  long. 

Lucidur.     Why  did  you  not  end  it,  then  ? 

Julia.  That,  too,  I  must  explain.  No  sooner  had 
my  father  got  intelligence  of  your  first  monologue,  and 
seen,  as  was  easy  to  do,  that  none  of  his  children 
would  object  to  such  an  exchange,  than  he  determined 
on  visiting  your  father.  The  importance  of  the  busi- 
ness gave  him  much  anxiety.  A  father  alone  can  feel 
the  respect  which  is  due  to  a  father.  "  He  must  be 
informed  of  it  in  the  first  place,"  said  mine,  "  that 
he  may  not  in  the  end,  when  we  are  all  agreed,  be 
reduced  to  give  a  forced  and  displeased  consent.  I 
know  him  well  :  I  know  how  any  thought,  any  wish, 
any  purpose,  cleaves  to  him ;  and  I  have  my  own 
fears  about  the  issue.  Julia,  his  maps  and  pictures, 
he  has  long  viewed  as  one  thing;  he  has  it  in  liis  eye 
to  transport  all  this  hither,  when  the  young  pair  are 
once  settled  here,  and  his  old  pupil  cannot  change  her 
abode  so  readily  :  on  us  he  is  to  bestow  his  holidays ; 
and  who  knows  what  other  kind,  friendly  things  he 
has  projected  ?  He  nmst  forthwith  be  informed  what 
a  trick  Nature  has  played  us,  while  yet  nothing  is 
declared,  nothing  is  determined."  And,  with  this, 
he  exacted  from  us  all  the  most  solemn  promise  that 
we  should  observe  you,  and,  come  what  might,  retain 
you  here  till  Ms  return.  How  this  return  has  been 
protracted ;  what  art,  toil,  and  perseverance  it  has  cost 
to  gain  your  father's  consent,  —  he  himself  wall  inform 
you.  In  short,  the  business  is  adjusted :  Lucinda  is 
yours. 

And  thus  had  the  two  promenaders,  sharply  removing 
from  their  first  resting-})lace,  then  pausing  by  the  way, 
then  speaking,  and  walking  slowly  through  the  green 
fields,  at  last  reached  the  height,  where  another  well- 
levelled  road  received  them.  The  carriage  came 
whirhng   up :    JuHa   in    the    meanwhile    turned   her 


240  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

friend's  attention  to  a  strange  sight.  The  whole 
machinery,  of  wliich  her  gay  brother  had  bragged  so 
much,  was  now  alive  and  in  motion :  the  wheels  were 
already  heaving  up  and  down  a  multitude  of  people ; 
the  seesaws  were  flying  ;  maypoles  had  their  climbers  ; 
and  many  a  bold,  artful  swing  and  spring  over  the 
heads  of  an  innumerable  multitude  you  might  see 
ventured.  The  younker  had  set  all  a-going,  that  so 
the  guests,  after  dinner,  might  have  a  gay  spectacle 
awaiting  them.  "  Thou  wilt  drive  through  the  Nether 
Hamlet,"  cried  Julia :  "  the  people  wish  me  well,  and 
they  shall  see  how  well  I  am  off." 

The  hamlet  was  empty :  the  young  people  had  all 
run  to  the  swings  and  seesaws ;  old  men  and  women, 
roused  by  the  driver's  horn,  appeared  at  doors  and 
windows ;  every  one  gave  salutations  and  blessings, 
exclaiming,  "  Oh,  what  a  lovely  pair ! " 

Julia.  There,  do  you  hear  ?  We  should  have 
suited  well  enough  together  after  all :  you  may  rue 
it  yet. 

Lucidor.     But  now,  dear  sister  — 

Julia.  Ha !  Now  dear,  when  you  are  rid  of 
me ! 

Lucidor.  One  single  word.  On  you  rests  a  heavy 
accusation :  what  did  you  mean  by  that  squeeze  of  the 
hand,  when  you  knew  and  felt  my  dreadful  situation  ? 
A  thing  so  radically  wicked  I  have  never  met  with 
in  my  life  before. 

Julia.  Thank  Heaven  we  are  now  quits ;  now  all 
is  pardoned :  I  had  no  mind  for  you,  that  is  certain ; 
but  that  you  had  utterly  and  absolutely  no  mind  for 
me,  this  was  a  thing  which  no  young  woman  could  for- 
give: and  the  squeeze  of  the  hand,  observe  you,  was 
for  the  rogue.  I  do  confess  it  was  almost  too  roguish : 
and  I  forgive  myself,  because  I  forgive  you ;  and  so  let 
all  be  forgotten  and  forgiven  !     Here  is  my  hand. 

He  took  it :  she  cried,  "  Here  we  are  again  !     In  our 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  241 

park  again ;  and  so,  in  a  trice,  we  whirl  through  the 
wide  world,  and  back  too :  we  shall  meet  again." 

They  had  reached  the  garden-hall ;  it  seemed  empty  ; 
the  company,  tired  of  waiting,  had  gone  out  to  walk. 
Antoni,  however,  and  Lucinda,  came  forth.  Julia, 
stepping  from  the  carriage,  flew  to  her  friend :  she 
thanked  him  in  a  cordial  embrace,  and  restrained  not 
the  most  joyful  tears.  The  brave  man's  cheeks  red- 
dened, his  features  looked  forth  unfolded ;  his  eye 
glanced  moist ;  and  a  fair,  imposing  youth  shone 
through  the  veil. 

And  so  both  pairs  moved  off  to  join  the  company, 
with  feelings  which  the  finest  dream  could  not  have 
given  them. 


CHAPTEE    LAST. 

"  Thus,  my  friends,"  said  Lenardo,  after  a  short  pre- 
amble, "  if  we  survey  the  most  populous  provinces  and 
kingdoms  of  the  firm  earth,  we  observe  on  all  sides, 
that  wherever  an  available  soil  appears,  it  is  cultivated, 
planted,  shaped,  beautified,  and,  in  the  same  propor- 
tion, coveted,  taken  into  possession,  fortified,  and 
defended.  Hereby  we  bring  home  to  our  conceptions 
the  high  worth  of  property  in  land,  and  are  obliged 
to  consider  it  as  the  first  and  best  acquirement  that 
can  be  allotted  to  man.  And  if,  on  closer  inspection, 
we  find  parental  and  filial  love,  the  union  of  country- 
men and  townsmen,  and  therefore  the  universal  feehng 
of  patriotism,  founded  immediately  on  this  same  inter- 
est in  the  soil,  we  caimot  but  regard  that  seizing  and 
retaining  of  space,  in  the  great  or  the  small  scale,  as 
a  thing  still  more  important  and  venerable.  Yes, 
Nature  herself  has  so  ordered  it !  A  man  born  on 
the  glebe  comes  by  habit  to  belong  to  it ;  the  two 
grow  together,  and  the  fairest  ties  are  spun  from  their 
union.  Who  is  there,  then,  that  would  spitefully  dis- 
turb this  foundation-stone  of  all  existence ;  that  would 
blindly  deny  the  worth  and  dignity  of  such  precious 
and  peculiar  gifts  of  Heaven  ? 

"  And  yet  we  may  assert,  that  if  what  man  pos- 
sesses is  of  great  worth,  what  he  does  and  accom- 
plishes must  be  of  still  greater.  In  a  wide  view  of 
things,  therefore,  we  must  look  on  property  in  land 
as  one  small  part  of  the  possessions  that  have  been 

242 


MEISTER-S    TRAVELS  243 

given  us.  Of  these  the  greatest  and  the  most  precious 
part  consists  especially  in  what  is  movable,  and  in 
what   is  gained  by  a  moving  life. 

"  Toward  this  quarter  we  younger  men  are  peculiarly 
constrained  to  turn ;  for,  though  we  had  inherited  from 
our  fathers  the  desire  of  abiding  and  continuing,  we 
find  ourselves  called  by  a  thousand  causes  nowise 
to  shut  our  eyes  against  a  wider  out-look  and  survey. 
Let  us  hasten,  then,  to  the  shore  of  the  ocean,  and 
convince  ourselves  what  boundless  spaces  are  still 
lying  open  to  activity,  and  confess,  that,  by  the  bare 
thought  of  this,  we  are  roused  to  new  vigour. 

"  Yet,  not  to  lose  ourselves  in  these  vast  expanses, 
let  us  direct  our  attention  to  the  long  and  large  sur- 
face of  so  many  countries  and  kingdoms  combined 
together  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  Here  we  behold 
great  tracts  of  land  tenanted  by  Nomades,  whose 
towns  are  movable,  whose  life-supporting  household 
goods  can  be  transferred  from  place  to  place.  We 
see  them  in  the  middle  of  the  deserts,  on  wide  green 
pasturages,  lying,  as  it  were,  at  anchor  in  their  desired 
haven.  Such  movement,  such  wandering,  becomes 
a  habit  with  them,  a  necessity :  in  the  end  they  grow 
to  regard  the  surface  of  the  world  as  if  it  were  not 
bulwarked  by  mountains,  were  not  cut  asunder  by 
streams.  Have  we  not  seen  the  North-east  flow 
toward  the  South-west ;  one  people  driving  another  be- 
fore it,  and  lordship  and  property  altogether  changed  ? 

"From  over-populous  countries,  a  similar  calamity 
may  again,  in  the  great  circle  of  vicissitudes,  occur 
more  than  once.  What  we  have  to  dread  from  for- 
eigners, it  may  be  difficult  to  say;  but  it  is  curious 
enough,  that,  by  our  own  over-population,  we  ourselves 
are  througmg  one  another  in  our  own  domains,  and, 
without  waiting  to  be  driven,  are  driving  one  another 
forth,  passing  sentence  of  banishment  each  against  his 
fellow. 


244  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

"  Here  now  is  the  place  and  season  for  giving  scope 
in  our  bosoms,  \vithout  spleen  or  anger,  to  a  love  of 
movement ;  for  unfettering  that  impatient  wish  which 
excites  us  to  change  our  abode.  Yet  whatever  we  may- 
purpose  and  intend,  let  it  be  accomplished,  not  from 
passion,  or  from  any  other  influence  of  force,  but  from 
a  conviction  corresponding  to  the  wisest  judgment  and 
deliberation. 

"  It  has  been  said,  and  over  again  said,  Where  I  am 
well  is  my  country !  But  this  consolatory  saw  were 
better  worded,  Where  I  am  useful  is  my  country  !  At 
home  you  may  be  useless,  and  the  fact  not  instantly 
observed :  abroad  in  the  world,  the  useless  man  is 
speedily  convicted.  And  now,  if  I  say,  Let  each 
endeavour  everywhere  to  be  of  use  to  himself  and 
others,  this  is  not  a  precept  or  a  counsel,  but  the 
utterance  of  life  itself. 

"  Cast  a  glance  over  the  terrestrial  ball,  and  for  the 
present  leave  the  ocean  out  of  sight :  let  not  its  hurry- 
ing fleets  distract  your  thoughts,  but  fix  your  eye  on 
the  firm  earth,  and  be  amazed  to  see  how  it  is  over- 
flowed with  a  swarming  ant-tribe,  jostling  and  cross- 
ing, and  running  to  and  fro  for  ever !  So  was  it 
ordained  of  the  Lord  liimself,  when,  obstructing  the 
Tower  of  Babel,  he  scattered  the  human  race  abroad 
into  all  the  world.  Let  us  praise  his  name  on  this  ac- 
count, for  the  blessing  has  extended  to  all  generations. 

"  Observe  now,  and  cheerfully,  how  the  young,  on 
every  side,  instantly  get  into  movement.  As  instruc- 
tion is  not  offered  them  within  doors,  and  knocks  not 
at  their  gates,  they  hasten  forthwith  to  those  countries 
and  cities  wliither  the  call  of  science  and  wisdom 
allures  them.  Here,  no  sooner  have  they  gained  a 
rapid  and  scanty  training,  than  they  feel  themselves 
impelled  to  look  round  in  the  world,  whether  here  and 
there  some  profitable  experience,  applicable  to  their 
objects,  may  not  be  met  with  and  appropriated.     Let 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  245 

these  try  their  fortune !  We  turn  from  them  to  those 
completed  and  distinguished  men,  those  noble  inquirers 
into  nature,  who  wittingly  encounter  every  difficulty, 
every  peril,  that  to  the  world  tliey  may  lay  the  world 
open,  and,  through  the  most  impassable,  pave  easy 
roads. 

"  But  observe  also,  on  beaten  highways,  how  dust  on 
dust,  in  long,  cloudy  trains,  mounts  up,  betokening  the 
track  of  commodious,  top-laden  carriages,  in  wliich  the 
rich,  the  noble,  and  so  many  others,  are  whirled  along ; 
whose  varying  purposes  and  dispositions  Yorick  has 
most  daintily  explained  to  us, 

"  These  the  stout  craftsman,  on  foot,  may  cheerily 
gaze  after ;  for  whom  his  country  has  made  it  a  duty 
to  appropriate  foreign  skill,  and  not,  till  this  has  been 
accomplished,  to  revisit  his  paternal  hearth.  In  still 
greater  numbers  do  traffickers  and  dealers  meet  us  on 
our  road :  the  little  trader  must  not  neglect,  from  time 
to  time,  to  forsake  his  shop,  that  he  may  visit  fairs 
and  markets,  may  approach  the  great  merchant,  and 
increase  his  own  small  profit,  by  example  and  partici- 
pation of  the  boundless.  But  yet  more  restlessly  do 
we  descry  cruising  on  horseback,  singly,  on  all  high 
and  by  ways,  that  multitude  of  persons  whose  business 
it  is,  in  lawful  wise,  to  make  forcible  pretension  to 
our  purses.  Samples  of  all  sorts,  prize  catalogues,  invi- 
tations to  purchase,  pursue  us  into  town-houses  and 
country-houses,  and  wherever  we  may  seek  refuge : 
diligently  they  assault  us  and  surprise  us ;  themselves 
offering  the  opportunity,  which  it  would  have  entered 
no  man's  mind  to  seek.  And  what  shall  I  say  of  that 
people  which,  before  all  others,  arrogates  to  itself  the 
blessing  of  perpetual  wandering,  and,  by  its  movable 
activity,  contrives  to  overreach  the  resting  and  to  over- 
step the  walking  ?  Of  them  we  must  say  neither  ill 
nor  good,  —  no  good,  because  our  League  stands  on  its 
guard    against    them ;    no    ill,  because   the   wanderer. 


246  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

miudful  of  reciprocal  advantage,  is  bound  to  treat 
with  friendUness  whomsoever  he  may  meet. 

"  But  now,  above  all,  we  must  mention  with  peculiar 
affection  the  whole  race  of  artists ;  for  they,  too,  are 
thoroughly  involved  in  this  universal  movement.  Does 
not  the  painter  wander,  with  palette  and  easel,  from 
face  to  face  ?  and  are  not  his  kindred  labourers  sum- 
moned now  this  way,  now  that,  because  in  all  places 
there  is  something  to  be  built  and  to  be  fashioned  ? 
More  briskly,  however,  paces  the  musician  on  his  way ; 
for  he  peculiarly  it  is  that  for  a  new  ear  has  provided 
new  surprise,  for  a  fresh  mind  fresh  astonishment. 
Players,  too,  though  they  now  despise  the  cart  of 
Thespis,  still  rove  about  in  little  choirs ;  and  their 
moving  world,  wherever  they  appear,  is  speedily  enough 
built  up.  So  likewise,  individually,  renouncing  serious, 
profitable  engagements,  these  men  delight  to  change 
place  with  place,  according  as  rising  talents,  combined 
with  rising  wants,  furnish  pretext  and  occasion.  For 
this  success  they  commonly  prepare  themselves  by 
leaving  no  important  stage  in  their  native  land  un- 
trodden. 

"  Nor  let  us  forget  to  cast  a  glance  over  the  profes- 
sorial class :  these,  too,  you  find  in  continual  motion, 
occupying  and  forsaking  one  chair  after  the  other,  to 
scatter  richly  abroad  on  every  side  the  seeds  of  a  hasty 
culture.  More  assiduous,  however,  and  of  wider  aim, 
are  those  pious  souls  who  disperse  themselves  through 
all  quarters  of  the  world  to  bring  salvation  to  their 
brethren.  Others,  on  the  contrary,  are  pilgriming  to 
seek  salvation  for  themselves :  they  march  in  hosts 
to  consecrated,  wonder-working  places,  there  to  ask 
and  receive  what  was  denied  their  souls  at  home. 

"  And  if  all  these  sorts  of  men  surprise  us  less  by 
their  wandering,  as,  for  most  part,  without  wandering, 
the  business  of  their  hfe  were  impossible,  of  those, 
again,  who  dedicate   their   diligence   to    the   soil,  we 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  247 

should  certainly  expect  that  they,  at  least,  were  fixed. 
By  no  means !  Even  witliout  possession,  occupation  is 
conceivable ;  and  we  behold  the  eager  farmer  forsaking 
the  ground  which  for  years  had  yielded  him  profit  and 
enjoyment :  impatiently  he  searches  after  similar  or 
greater  profit,  be  it  far  or  near.  Nay,  the  owner  him- 
self will  abandon  his  new-grubbed  clearage  so  soon  as, 
by  his  cultivation,  he  has  rendered  it  commodious  for 
a  less  enterprising  husbandman :  once  more  he  presses 
into  the  wilderness,  again  makes  space  for  himself  in 
the  forests,  —  in  recompense  of  that  first  toiling  a 
double  and  treble  space ;  on  which  also,  it  may  be,  he 
thinks  not  to  continue. 

"  There  we  shall  leave  him,  bickering  with  bears  and 
other  monsters,  and  turn  back  into  the  polished  world, 
where  we  find  the  state  of  things  no  whit  more  station- 
ary. Do  but  view  any  great  and  regulated  kingdom  : 
the  ablest  man  is  also  the  man  who  moves  the  often- 
est ;  at  the  beck  of  his  prince,  at  the  order  of  his 
minister,  the  Serviceable  is  transferred  from  place  to 
place.  To  him  also  our  precept  will  apply,  Every- 
where endeavour  to  be  useful,  everywhere  you  are  at 
home.  Yet  if  we  observe  important  statesmen  leaving, 
though  reluctantly,  their  high  stations,  we  have  reason 
to  deplore  their  fate;  for  we  can  neither  recognise 
them  as  emigi-ators,  not  as  migrators,  —  not  as  emi- 
grators,  because  they  forego  a  covetable  situation 
without  any  prospect  of  a  better  even  seeming  to 
open ;  not  as  migrators,  because  to  be  useful  in  other 
places  is  a  fortune  seldom  granted  them. 

"  For  the  soldier,  again,  a  life  of  peculiar  wandering 
is  appointed  :  even  in  peace,  now  this,  now  that,  post  is 
entrusted  to  him ;  to  fight,  at  hand  or  afar  off,  for  his 
native  country,  he  must  keep  liimself  perpetually  in 
motion,  or  readiness  to  move ;  and  not  for  immediate 
defence  alone,  but  also  to  fulfil  the  remote  purposes  of 
nations  and  rulers,  he  turns  his  steps  toward  all  quar- 


248  MEISTER'S    TRAVELS 

ters  of  the  world ;  and  to  few  of  his  craft  is  it  given  to 
find  any  resting-place.  And  as  in  the  soldier  courage 
is  his  first  and  highest  quahty,  so  this  must  always  be 
considered  as  united  with  fidehty ;  and,  accordingly, 
we  find  certain  nations  famous  for  trustworthiness, 
called  forth  from  their  home,  and  serving  spiritual  or 
temporal  regents  as  body-guards. 

"  Another  class  of  persons  indispensable  to  govern- 
ments, and  also  of  extreme  mobility,  we  see  in  those 
negotiators  who,  despatched  from  court  to  court, 
beleaguer  pruices  and  ministers,  and  overnet  the 
whole  inhabited  world  with  their  invisible  threads. 
Of  these  men,  also,  no  one  is  certain  of  his  place  for 
a  moment.  In  peace,  the  ablest  of  them  are  sent  from 
country  to  country ;  in  war,  they  march  behind  the 
army  when  victorious,  prepare  the  way  for  it  when 
fugitive :  and  thus  are  they  appointed  still  to  be 
changing  place  for  place  ;  on  which  account,  indeed,  they 
at  all  times  carry  with  them  a  stock  of  farewell  cards. 

"  If  hitherto  at  every  step  we  have  contrived  to  do 
ourselves  some  honour,  declaring,  as  we  have  done,  the 
most  distinguished  portion  of  active  men  to  be  our 
mates  and  fellows  in  destiny,  there  now  remains  for 
you,  my  beloved  friends,  by  way  of  termination,  a 
glory  higher  than  all  the  rest,  seeing  you  find  your- 
selves united  in  brotherhood  with  princes,  kings,  and 
emperors.  Think  first,  with  blessings  and  reverence, 
of  the  imperial  wanderer  Hadrian,  who  on  foot,  at  the 
head  of  his  army,  paced  out  the  circle  of  the  world 
which  was  subject  to  him,  and  thus  in  very  deed  took 
possession  of  it.  Think  then  with  horror  of  the  Con- 
queror, that  armed  wanderer,  against  whom  no  resist- 
ance availed,  no  wall  or  bulwark  could  shelter  armed 
nations.  In  fine,  accompany  with  honest  sympathy 
those  hapless  exiled  princes  who,  descending  from  the 
summit  of  the  height,  cannot  even  be  received  into  the 
modest  guild  of  active  wanderers. 


MEISTER'S    TRAVELS  249 

"  And  now,  while  we  call  forth  and  illustrate  all 
this  to  one  another,  no  narrow  despondency,  no  pas- 
sionate perversion,  can  rule  over  us.  The  time  is  past 
when  people  rushed  forth  at  randotii  into  the  wide 
world :  hy  the  labours  of  scientific  travellers,  de- 
scribing wisely  and  copying  like  artists,  we  have 
become  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  earth  to 
know  moderately  well  what  is  to  be  looked  for  every- 
where. 

"  Yet,  for  obtaining  perfect  information,  an  individual 
will  not  suffice.  Our  society  is  founded  on  the  prin- 
ciple that  each  in  his  degree,  for  his  purposes,  be 
thoroughly  informed.  Has  any  one  of  us  some  coun- 
try in  his  eye,  toward  which  his  wishes  are  tending, 
we  endeavour  to  make  clear  to  him,  in  special  detail, 
what  was  hovering  before  his  imagination  as  a  whole : 
to  afford  each  other  a  survey  of  the  inhabited  and 
inhabitable  world  is  a  most  pleasant  and  most  profita- 
ble kind  of  conversation. 

"  Under  this  aspect  we  can  look  upon  ourselves  as 
members  of  a  Union  belonging  to  the  world.  Simple 
and  grand  is  the  thought,  easy  is  its  execution  by 
understanding  and  strength.  Unity  is  all-powerful ; 
no  division,  therefore,  no  contention,  among  us !  Let 
a  man  learn,  we  say,  to  figure  himself  as  without 
permanent  external  relation :  let  him  seek  consistency 
and  sequence,  not  in  circumstances,  but  in  himself; 
there  will  he  find  it ;  there  let  him  cherish  and  nourish 
it.  He  who  devotes  himself  to  the  most  needful  will, 
in  all  cases,  advance  to  his  purpose  with  greatest 
certainty:  others,  again,  aiming  at  the  higher,  the 
more  delicate,  require  greater  prudence  even,  in  the 
choice  of  their  path.  But  let  a  man  be  attempting  or 
treating  what  he  will,  he  is  not,  as  an  individual, 
sufficient  for  himself ;  and,  to  an  honest  mind,  society 
remains  the  highest  want.  All  serviceable  persons 
ought  to  be  related  with  each  other;  as  the  building 


2SO  meister's  travels 

proprietor  looks  out  for  au  arcliitect,  and  the  architect 
for  masons  and  carpenters. 

"  How  and  on  what  principle  this  Union  of  ours  has 
been  fixed  and  founded  is  known  to  all.  There  is  no 
man  among  us  who  at  any  moment  could  not  to  proper 
purpose  employ  his  faculty  of  action,  who  is  not 
assured  that  in  all  places  whither  chance,  inchnation, 
or  even  passion  may  conduct  him,  he  will  be  received, 
employed,  assisted,  —  nay,  in  adverse  accidents,  as  far 
as  possible,  refitted  and  indemnified. 

"  Two  duties  we  have  most  rigorously  undertaken, 
—  first,  to  honour  every  species  of  religious  worship ; 
for  all  of  them  are  comprehended  more  or  less  directly 
in  the  Creed :  secondly,  in  like  manner  to  respect  all 
forms  of  government,  and,  since  every  one  of  them 
induces  and  promotes  a  calculated  activity,  to  labour 
according  to  the  wish  and  will  of  constituted  authori- 
ties, in  whatever  place  it  may  be  our  lot  to  sojourn, 
and  for  whatever  time.  Finally,  we  reckon  it  our  duty, 
without  pedantry  or  rigour,  to  practise  and  forward 
decorum  of  manners  and  morals,  as  required  by  that 
reverence  for  ourselves  which  arises  from  the  three 
reverences,  whereto  we  universally  profess  our  ad- 
herence ;  having  all  had  the  joy  and  good  fortrme, 
some  of  us  from  youth  upwards,  to  be  initiated  likewise 
in  the  higher  general  wisdom  taught  in  certain  cases 
by  those  venerable  men.  All  this,  in  the  solemn  hour 
of  parting,  we  have  thought  good  once  more  to  recount, 
to  unfold,  to  hear  and  acknowledge,  as  also  to  seal  with 
a  trustful  farewell. 

"  Keep  not  standing,  fixed  and  rooted, 

Briskly  venture,  briskly  roam: 
Head  and  hand,  where'er  thou  foot  it, 

And  stout  heart,  are  still  at  home. 
In  each  land  the  sun  does  visit : 

We  are  gay  whate'er  betide. 
To  give  space  for  wand'ring  is  it 

That  the  world  was  made  so  wide." 


The   Recreations   of  the   German 
Emigrants 


The    Recreations   of  the 
German    Emigrants 


At  that  unhappy  period,  so  fruitful  in  disasters 
to  Germany,  to  Europe,  and,  indeed,  to  the  whole 
world,  when  the  French  army  overran  the  Contineut, 
a  family  of  distinction  was  compelled  to  forsake  their 
property  on  the  first  invasion,  and  to  flee  across  the 
Rhine.  They  sought  to  escape  those  calamities  to 
which  persons  of  noble  birth  were  inevitably  exposed, 
in  whom  it  was  considered  criminal  to  be  descended 
from  an  honourable  line  of  ancestors,  and  to  inherit 
those  privileges  and  possessions  which  the  virtues  or 
the  valour  of  their  forefathers  had  bequeathed  to  them. 

The  Baroness  of  C ,  a  widow  lady  of  middle  age, 

distinguished  for  every  domestic  virtue  which  could 
promote  the  comfort  or  independence  of  her  family, 
evinced,  upon  the  occasion  of  this  unforeseen  calamity, 
the  most  noble  spirit  of  activity  and  resolute  deter- 
mination. Brought  up  amidst  a  wide  circle  of  ac- 
quaintances, and,  to  some  extent,  already  experienced 
in  the  reverses  of  hfe,  she  was  considered  perfect  in 
her  private  and  domestic  character,  and  was  remarkable 
for  the  real  delight  she  ever  felt  in  the  active  employ- 
ment of  her  faculties.  Indeed,  the  great  purpose  of 
her  life  seemed  to  consist  in  rendering  services  to 
otliers ;  and  it  is  easy  to  suppose  that  her  numerous 

253 


254  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

friends  never  failed  to  provide  her  with  employment. 
She  was  summoned,  at  the  time  we  speak  of,  to  take 
the  lead  of  a  httle  baud  of  emigrants.  Even  for  this 
duty  she  was  prepared  ;  and  the  same  solicitous  though 
cheerful  temper,  which  had  invariably  distinguished 
her  at  home,  did  not  forsake  her  in  this  hour  of 
general  terror  and  distress.  But  cheerfulness  was  not 
an  entire  stranger  to  our  band  of  fugitives :  many 
an  unexpected  incident  and  strange  event  afforded 
occasion  for  the  indulgence  of  mirth  and  laughter, 
of  which  their  easily  excited  minds  readily  took 
advantage.  The  very  flight  itself  was  a  circumstance 
well  calculated  to  call  out  each  individual's  pecuhar 
character  in  a  remarkable  manner.  The  mind  of  one, 
for  instance,  was  distracted  by  vain  fear  and  terror; 
another  fell  a  prey  to  idle  apprehensions;  and  the 
extravagances  and  deficiencies,  the  weakness,  irreso- 
lution, or  impetuosity,  which  were  displayed  on  all 
sides,  produced  so  many  instances  of  vexation  and  bad 
temper,  that  the  real  trouble  of  the  whole  party 
afforded  more  mirth  than  an  actual  pleasure  trip  could 
possibly  have  occasioned. 

As  we  may  sometimes  preserve  our  composure,  even 
during  the  performance  of  a  farce,  without  smiling  at 
the  most  positive  drolleries ;  though  we  find  it  impos- 
sible to  restrain  our  laughter  when  anything  absurd 
occurs  in  the  representation  of  a  tragedy,  —  so  in  this 
real  world,  the  generahty  of  accidents  of  a  serious 
nature  are  accompanied  by  circumstances  either  ridic- 
ulous at  the  moment,  or  infalhbly  productive  of  subse- 
quent mirth. 

We  must  observe  that  the  baroness's  eldest  daughter, 
Louisa,  a  cheerful,  hvely,  and,  at  the  time  of  their  pros- 
perity, an  imperious  young  lady,  had  to  endure  an 
unusual  degree  of  suffering.  She  is  said  to  have  been 
quite  overwhelmed  with  terror  at  the  first  alarm,  and, 
in  her  distraction  and  absence  of  mind,  to  have  packed 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  255 

together  the  most  useless  thiugs  with  the  greatest  seri- 
ousness, and  actuiilly  to  have  made  an  offer  of  marriage 
to  one  of  the  old  servants  of  the  establishment. 

She  defended  herself  for  this  step  with  much  obsti- 
nacy, and  would  not  allow  her  intended  to  be  made  a 
subject  of  ridicule.  In  her  opinion  she  sullered  enough 
from  her  daily  fear  of  the  alhed  army,  and  from  the 
apprehension  that  her  wislied-for  marriage  might  be 
delayed,  or  even  frustrated,  by  a  general  engagement. 

Her  elder  brother,  Frederick,  who  was  a  youth  of 
decisive  character,  executed  his  mother's  orders  with 
precision  and  exactitude,  accompanied  the  procession 
on  horseback,  and  discharged  at  times  the  various 
duties  of  courier,  conductor,  and  guide.  The  tutor  of 
the  baroness's  younger  son,  who  was  a  well-educated 
young  man,  accompanied  her  in  her  carriage ;  whilst 
uncle  Charles,  and  an  elderly  clergyman,  who  had 
long  been  an  indispensable  friend  of  the  family,  fol- 
lowed in  another  vehicle,  which  was  also  occupied  by 
two  female  relations,  one  young,  the  other  somewhat 
advanced  in  years.  The  servants  followed  in  an  open 
carriage ;  and  the  procession  was  closed  by  a  heavily 
packed  wagon,  which  occasionally  loitered  behind. 

The  whole  party,  as  may  easily  be  supposed,  had 
abandoned  then-  dwellings  with  great  reluctance ;  but 
uncle  Charles  had  forsaken  his  residence  on  this  side 
of  the  Rliine  even  more  unwillingly  than  the  others, 
not  that  he  had  left  his  mistress  behind,  as  one  might, 
perhaps,  have  conjectured  from  his  youth,  his  figure, 
and  the  warmth  of  his  nature :  he  had  rather  been 
seduced  by  the  brilliant  phantom,  which,  under  the 
denomination  of  freedom,  had  secured  so  many  adher- 
ents, first  in  secret,  then  in  public,  and  which,  notwith- 
standing that  she  was  to  some  a  harsh  mistress,  was  all 
the  more  devotedly  honoured  by  the  lovers. 

Just  as  lovers  are  generally  blinded  by  their  passion, 
it  did  happen  in  the  case  of  uncle  Charles.     They  pant 


2S6  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

for  the  possession  of  a  single  happiness,  and  fancy 
that  for  this  they  can  endure  the  privation  of  every 
other  blessing.  Position,  fortune,  and  all  advantages, 
vanish  into  nothing,  compared  with  the  one  benefit 
which  is  to  supply  their  place.  Parents,  relatives,  and 
friends  are  now  looked  upon  as  strangers.  One  desire 
fills  and  absorbs  their  whole  being,  to  which  every- 
thing else  is  to  give  way. 

Uncle  Charles  abandoned  himself  to  the  intensity  of 
his  passion,  and  did  not  conceal  it  in  his  conversation. 
He  thought  he  might  express  liis  conviction  the  more 
freely,  because  he  was  of  noble  birth,  and,  although  the 
second  son,  yet  the  presumptive  heir  to  a  noble  for- 
tune. Even  this  fortune,  which  was  to  be  his  future 
inheritance,  was  at  present  in  the  enemy's  hands,  by 
whom  it  had  been  shamefully  wasted.  But,  in  spite  of 
all  this,  Charles  could  not  hate  a  nation  which  prom- 
ised such  advantages  to  the  world  at  large,  and  whose 
principles  he  approved,  according  to  his  own  admission, 
and  the  evidence  of  some  of  his  associates.  He  con- 
stantly disturbed  the  peace  of  the  little  community 
(seldom  as  they  enjoyed  such  a  blessing)  by  an  indis- 
criminate praise  of  everything,  good  or  bad,  which  hap- 
pened amongst  the  French,  and  by  his  noisy  delight  at 
their  success.  By  this  means  he  irritated  his  compan- 
ions, who  felt  their  own  grievances  doubly  aggravated  by 
the  mahcious  triumphs  of  their  friend  and  relation. 

Frederick  had  already  been  engaged  in  frequent  dis- 
putes with  him,  and  latterly  they  had  ceased  to  hold 
communication  with  each  other.  But  the  baroness,  by 
her  prudent  management,  had  secured  his  moderation, 
at  least  for  a  time.  Louisa  gave  him  the  greatest  trou- 
ble, for  she  often  used  the  most  unfair  methods  to  cast 
a  slur  upon  his  character  and  judgment.  The  tutor 
silently  pronounced  him  right,  the  clergyman  silently 
pronounced  him  wrong:  and  the  female  attendants, 
who  were  charmed  with  his  figure  and  with  his  hber- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  257 

ality,  heard  him  with  dehght ;  because,  wliilst  they 
listened  to  his  lectures,  they  could  honourably  fix  on 
him  those  loving  eyes,  which,  until  that  time,  had  ever 
been  modestly  bent  upon  the  gi-ound. 

Their  daily  necessities,  the  obstacles  of  the  journey, 
and  their  disagreeable  quarters,  generally  led  the  whole 
company  to  a  consideration  of  their  immediate  inter- 
ests ;  and  the  great  number  of  French  and  German 
fugitives  whom  they  constantly  met,  and  whose  conduct 
and  fortunes  were  various,  often  made  them  consider 
how  much  occasion  existed  at  such  times  for  the  prac- 
tice of  every  virtue,  but  particularly  of  liberality  and 
forbearance. 

The  baroness,  on  one  occasion,  observed  aloud,  that 
nothing  could  show  more  clearly  the  deficiencies  of 
men  in  these  virtues  than  the  opportunity  afforded  for 
their  exercise,  by  occasions  of  general  confusion  and 
distress.  Our  whole  constitution,  she  maintained,  re- 
sembled a  ship  chartered  in  a  season  of  tempest,  to 
convey  a  countless  crowd  of  men,  old  and  young,  healthy 
and  infirm,  across  a  stormy  sea ;  but  only  in  the  hour 
of  shipwreck  could  the  capabihties  of  the  crew  be  dis- 
played, —  an  emergency  when  even  the  good  swimmer 
often  perished. 

Fugitives,  for  the  most  part,  carry  their  faults  and 
ridiculous  peculiarities  along  with  them  ;  and  we  wonder 
at  this  circumstance.  But  as  the  English  traveller  never 
leaves  his  teakettle  behind  in  any  quarter  of  the  globe ; 
so  are  the  generality  of  mankind  invariably  accompanied 
by  their  stock  of  proud  pretensions,  vanity,  intolerance, 
impatience,  obstinacy,  prejudices,  and  envy.  Thus,  the 
thoughtless  enjoyed  this  flight  as  they  would  have  en- 
joyed a  party  of  pleasure  ;  and  the  discontented  required, 
even  now  in  their  moments  of  abject  poverty,  that  their 
every  want  should  be  supplied.  How  rare  is  the  display 
of  that  pure  virtue  which  incites  us  to  live  and  sacrifice 
ourselves  for  others ! 


258  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

In  the  meantime,  whilst  numerous  acquaintances  were 
formed,  which  gave  occasion  to  reflections  of  this  nature, 
the  season  of  winter  was  brought  to  a  close.  Fortune 
once  more  smiled  on  the  German  arms,  the  French  were 
again  driven  across  the  Khine,  Frankfort  was  reheved, 
and  Mainz  was  invested. 

Trusting  to  the  farther  advance  of  our  victorious 
troops,  and  anxious  to  take  possession  of  a  part  of  their 
recovered  property,  the  family  we  speak  of  set  out  for 
an  estate  situated  in  one  of  the  most  beautiful  parts  of 
the  country,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Pthine.  We  can 
ill  describe  the  rapture  with  which  they  once  more 
beheld  the  silver  stream  flowing  beneath  their  win- 
dows, the  joy  with  which  they  took  possession  of  every 
part  of  theii-  house,  and  hailed  the  sight  of  their  well- 
known  furniture,  their  old  family  pictures,  and  of  every 
trifle  they  had  long  given  up  as  totally  lost ;  and  they 
indulged  the  fondest  anticipations  of  finding  everything 
flourishing  as  heretofore  on  their  side  of  the  Ehine. 

The  arrival  of  the  baroness  had  scarcely  been  an- 
nounced in  the  village,  when  all  her  former  acquaint- 
ances, friends,  and  dependants  hastened  to  welcome 
her,  to  recount  the  various  vicissitudes  of  the  last  few 
months,  and,  in  more  than  one  instance,  to  implore  her 
advice  and  assistance. 

In  the  midst  of  these  interviews,  she  was  most  agree- 
ably surprised  by  a  visit  from  the  Privy  Councillor  S. 
and  his  family,  a  man  who,  from  his  earliest  youth,  had 
followed  business  as  a  pursuit  of  pleasure,  and  who 
had  both  merited  and  acquired  the  confidence  of  his 
sovereign.  His  principles  were  firm,  and  he  indulged 
his  own  peculiar  notions  upon  many  subjects.  He  was 
precise,  both  in  his  conversation  and  conduct,  and  re- 
quired others  to  be  so  too.  A  dignified  deportment 
was,  in  his  opinion,  the  highest  virtue  a  man  could 
possess. 

His  sovereign,  his  country,  and  himself  had  suffered 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  259 

much  from  the  invasion  of  the  French.  He  liad  expe- 
rienced the  despotic  character  of  that  nation  who  were 
perpetually  boasting  justice,  and  had  felt  the  tyranny 
of  men  who  always  had  the  cry  of  freedom  on  their 
lips.  He  had  observed,  however,  the  general  consist- 
ency of  character  which  prevailed,  and  had  marked 
how  many  persons  witnessed,  with  feelings  of  angry 
disappointment,  the  substitution  of  mere  words  for  prac- 
tice, and  of  empty  appearance  for  reality.  The  conse- 
quences to  be  expected  from  an  unfortunate  campaign 
did  not  escape  his  acute  penetration  any  more  than  the 
results  of  the  general  maxims  and  opinions  we  have 
quoted,  though  it  must  be  admitted  his  views  upon  all 
subjects  were  neither  cheerful  nor  dispassionate. 

His  wife,  who  had  been  an  early  friend  of  the  baron- 
ess, after  the  experience  of  so  much  adversity  found  a 
perfect  paradise  in  the  arms  of  her  former  companion. 
They  had  grown  up  together,  had  been  educated  to- 
gether, and  had  always  shared  each  other's  confidence. 
The  early  inclinations  of  their  youth,  their  more  impor- 
tant matrimonial  interests,  their  joys  and  cares  and 
domestic  anxieties,  had  always  been  communicated, 
either  personally  or  by  correspondence,  as  they  had 
for  years  maintained  an  uninterrupted  intimacy  with 
each  other ;  but  this  was  at  length  broken  by  the  gen- 
eral troubles  of  the  eventful  times.  Their  present  inter- 
course was,  for  this  reason,  the  more  affectionate,  and 
their  interviews  the  more  frequent ;  and  the  baroness 
observed  with  pleasure,  that  the  intimacy  of  Louisa 
with  the  daughters  of  her  friend  was  daily  increasing. 

Unfortunately  the  complete  enjoyment  of  that  de- 
lightful part  of  the  country  was  often  disturbed  by  the 
roar  of  cannon,  which  was  heard  in  the  distance,  some- 
times loudly  and  sometimes  indistinctly,  according  to  the 
point  of  the  wind.  Moreover,  it  was  impossible  to  avoid 
conversations  upon  political  subjects,  which  were  intro- 
duced by  the  perpetual  runK»urs  of  the  day,  and  which 


26o  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

generally  disturbed  the  temporary  tranquillity  of  soci- 
ety; as  the  various  ideas  and  opinions  of  all  parties 
were  usually  propounded  without  reserve. 

And  as  intemperate  men  seldom  refrain  from  wine 
or  injurious  food  on  account  of  their  experience  of  the 
evil  consequences  wliich  such  enjoyments  occasion  ;  so, 
in  this  instance,  the  several  members  of  the  society 
we  speak  of,  in  place  of  imposing  restraint  upon  their 
conversation,  abandoned  themselves  to  the  irresistible 
impulse  of  vexing  each  other,  and  thus  eventually 
opened  a  channel  of  most  disagreeable  reflections. 

We  can  readily  suppose  that  the  privy  councillor 
adopted  the  opinions  of  those  who  advocated  the  old 
regime,  and  that  Charles  took  the  opposite  side,  in 
expectation  that  the  approaching  changes  would  heal 
and  reanimate  the  old,  shattered  constitution  of  the 
country. 

The  conversation  was  carried  on  at  first  with  some 
degree  of  moderation,  particularly  as  the  baroness 
sought,  by  her  well-timed  and  graceful  interruptions, 
to  maintain  the  balance  equal  between  both  parties ; 
but  when  the  important  crisis  of  the  conversation 
arrived,  and  the  investment  of  Mainz  was  about  to 
change  to  an  actual  siege,  and  the  fears  of  all  increased 
for  that  beautiful  city  and  its  abandoned  inhabitants, 
both  sides  asserted  their  opinions  with  unrestrained 
violence. 

The  members  of  the  clubs  who  had  remained  in  the 
town  were  particularly  discussed ;  and  each  expressed 
his  hope  of  their  liberation  or  punishment,  according 
as  he  approved  or  condemned  their  conduct. 

Amongst  the  latter  class  was  the  privy  councillor, 
whose  observations  were  especially  displeasing  to 
Charles ;  as  he  assailed  the  sound  judgment  of  those 
people,  and  charged  them  with  a  thorough  ignorance  of 
the  world  and  of  themselves. 

"  What  blind  dolts  they  must  be ! "  he  exclaimed  one 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  261 

afternoon  when  the  discussion  became  warm,  "  to  think 
that  a  great  nation,  employed  in  an  effort  to  suppress 
its  own  internal  commotions,  and  which,  in  sober 
moments,  has  no  other  object  than  its  own  prosperity, 
can  look  down  u})()n  them  with  any  sort  of  sympathy. 
Used  as  temporary  tools,  they  will  at  last  be  thrown 
away  or  utterly  neglected.  How  grossly  they  err  in 
thinking  that  they  will  ever  be  admitted  into  the  ranks 
of  the  French  nation  ! 

"  Nothing  seems  more  ridiculous  to  the  strong  and 
powerful  than  weakness  and  inefficiency  setting  up  its 
pretensions  to  equality,  wrapped  in  the  obscurity  of  its 
own  fancies,  and  in  the  ignorance  of  itself,  its  powers, 
and  its  qualities.  And  can  you  suppose  that  the  great 
nation,  with  that  good  fortune  with  wliich  it  has  been 
hitherto  fa\'uurud,  will  be  less  haughty  and  overbearing 
than  any  other  royal  contpieror  ? 

"  Many  a  person,  who  now  struts  about  in  his 
municipal  robes  and  gaudy  attire,  will  heartily  curse 
the  mas(|uerade  when,  after  having  helped  to  oppress 
his  countrymen,  by  a  new  and  disadvantageous  change 
of  things  he  finds  himself  at  last,  in  his  new  character, 
despised  by  those  in  whom  he  wholly  confided.  In- 
deed, it  is  my  firm  opinion,  that  upon  the  surrender  of 
the  town,  which  must  soon  take  place,  those  people 
will  be  abandoned  or  given  up  to  us.  I  hope  they  will 
then  receive  their  reward  in  that  punishment  they  so 
richly  deserve,  according  to  my  opinion,  which  is  as 
unprejudiced  as  possible." 

"  Unprejudiced ! "  exclaimed  Charles  with  vehe- 
mence :  "  I  beg  I  may  never  hear  that  word  again. 
How  can  we  so  unequivocally  condemn  these  men  ? 
Have  they  not  actually  devoted  their  whole  lives  to 
the  old  pursuit  of  serving  the  more  favoured  classes  of 
mankind  ?  Have  they  not  occupied  the  few  halitable 
rooms  of  the  old  mansion,  and  toiled  diligently  therein  ? 
or,  rather,  have  they  not  felt  the  inconvenience  of  the  A 


262  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

deserted  part  of  your  state  palace,  by  the  obligation  of 
living  there  in  a  state  of  misery  and  oppression  ?  Un- 
corrupted  by  frivolous  pursuits,  they  do  not  consider 
their  own  occupation  to  be  alone  noble ;  but  in  silence 
they  deplore  the  prejudice,  the  irregularity,  the  indo- 
lence and  ignorance  upon  which  your  statesmen  build 
their  foolish  claims  to  reverence,  and  in  silence  they 
pray  for  a  more  equal  di\dsion  of  labour  and  enjoyment. 
And  who  can  deny  that  their  ranks  contain  at  least 
some  such  men  of  intelHgence  and  virtue,  who,  if  they 
cannot  now  reaUse  universal  good,  can  fortunately  aid 
in  modifj'ing  evil  and  in  preparing  for  a  happy  future  ? 
and,  if  there  be  such  noble  beings  amongst  them,  should 
we  not  deplore  the  approach  of  that  evil  hour  which 
must  destroy,  perhaps  for  ever,  their  fondest  anticipa- 
tions ? " 

The  privy  councillor,  upon  tliis,  sneered  with  some 
degree  of  bitterness  at  certain  youths  who  were  in  the 
habit  of  ideahsing  upon  practical  subjects ;  wMlst 
Charles  was  equally  severe  upon  men  whose  thoughts 
were  merely  formed  upon  antiquated  precedents,  and 
who  never  adopted  any  but  compulsory  reforms. 

By  reciprocal  contradictions  of  this  nature,  the  dis- 
pute became  gradually  more  violent ;  and  every  topic 
was  introduced  which  has  for  so  many  years  tended  to 
dismember  society.  In  vain  did  the  baroness  en- 
deavour to  establish  a  truce,  if  not  to  make  peace, 
between  the  contending  parties ;  and  the  wife  of  the 
privy  councillor,  who  from  her  estimable  qualities  had 
acquired  some  influence  over  Charles's  disposition,  in- 
terposed also  to  no  effect,  more  particularly  as  her 
husband  continued  to  launch  his  poisoned  shafts  against 
youth  and  inexperience,  and  enlarged  upon  the  especial 
aptitude  of  children  to  play  with  fire,  a  dangerous  ele- 
ment which  they  were  wholly  unable  to  control. 

Charles,  forgetting  prudence  in  liis  anger,  now  de- 
clared   openly  that   he  wished    every  success  to   the 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  263 

French  arms,  and  called  upon  all  ids  countrymen  to 
aid  in  putting  an  end  to  their  general  slavery ;  ex- 
pressing his  conviction  that  their  so-called  enemies 
would  protect  every  noble  German  who  should  join 
them,  would  regard  them  and  treat  them  as  their  own 
countrymen,  and  crown  them  with  honours,  fortune, 
and  rewards,  in  place  of  sacrificing  or  leaving  them  in 
misery. 

But  the  councillor  maintained  it  was  ridiculous  to 
suppose  that  the  French  would  bestow  a  th<jught  upon 
them,  whether  they  capitulated  or  not ;  that  they 
would  probably  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  allies,  by 
whom  he  hoped  they  would  all  be  hanged. 

Charles  was  provoked  by  this  speech,  and  expressed 
his  ^vish  that  the  guillotine  might  find  a  rich  harvest  in 
Germany,  and  that  no  guilty  head  might  escape.  He 
added  some  cutting  observations  which  were  aimed  at 
the  councillor  personally,  and  were  in  every  sense 
offensive. 

"  I  shall  take  leave  of  a  society,"  interrupted  the 
latter,  "  in  which  everything  is  now  slighted  wliich 
once  seemed  worthy  of  respect.  I  lament  that  I  should 
be  for  the  second  time  expelled,  and  now  by  a  fellow 
countryman ;  but  I  am  well  aware  that  less  pity  may 
be  expected  from  this  new  foe  than  from  the  French 
themselves :  and  I  find  here  a  confirmation  of  the  old 
proverb,  that  it  is  better  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
Turks  than  of  renegades." 

So  saying,  he  rose,  and  left  the  apartment.  He  was 
followed  by  his  wife,  and  a  general  silence  ensued. 
The  baroness  expressed  her  displeasure  m  a  few  words 
of  strong  import.  Charles  walked  up  and  down  the 
room.  The  councillor's  wife  returned  in  tears,  and 
stated  that  her  husband  had  given  directions  for  leav- 
ing, and  had  actually  ordered  the  carriage.  The  baron- 
ess went  to  pacify  him ;  whilst  the  young  ladies  wept, 
and  kissed  each  other,  distressed  beyond  measure  that 


264  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

they  were  compelled  so  suddenly  and  so  unexpectedly 
to  separate.  The  baroness  returned  without  succeeding 
in  her  wishes.  Gradually  all  those  troubles  approached 
which  it  is  ever  the  lot  of  strangers  to  encounter.  The 
sad  moments  of  separation  and  departure  were  bitter 
beyond  expression.  Hope  vanished  with  the  appear- 
ance of  the  post-horses,  and  the  general  sorrow  was 
redoubled. 

The  carriage  drove  off.  The  baroness  followed  it 
with  her  eyes  full  of  tears.  She  left  the  window,  and 
sat  down  to  her  embroidery-frame.  The  silence,  and 
even  despau",  was  universal.  Charles  showed  his  sor- 
row^ by  sitting  in  a  corner,  and  intently  turning  over 
the  leaves  of  a  book,  directing  at  intervals  a  melancholy 
look  toward  his  aunt.  At  length  he  rose,  and  took  Ms 
hat,  as  if  about  to  depart,  but  turned  round  on  reaching 
the  door,  and  approaching  his  aunt  he  exclaimed,  with 
a  countenance  truly  noble,  "  I  have  offended  you, 
my  dear  aunt,  I  have  distressed  you;  but  pardon 
my  thoughtlessness :  I  acknowledge  my  fault,  and  am 
deeply  sensible  of  its  sad  consequences." 

"  I  forgive  you,"  rephed  the  baroness :  "  I  entertain 
no  ill-feeling  toward  you,  —  you  are  a  good  and  noble 
being,  but  you  can  never  repair  the  injury  you  have 
done.  Your  error  has  deprived  me  of  a  friend  to 
whom,  after  a  long  separation,  I  had  been  restored  by 
the  accident  of  our  joint  misfortunes,  and  in  whose 
society  I  have  forgotten  much  of  the  misery  which  has 
pursued  and  threatens  us.  She  herself,  driven  from 
her  home  under  most  painful  circumstances,  and  long 
a  fugitive,  after  a  short  repose  in  the  society  of  old  and 
beloved  friends,  in  this  delightful  spot  and  comfortable 
dwelling,  is  again  compelled  to  wander  forth  ;  and  we 
lose  the  company  of  her  husband,  who,  in  spite  of  some 
peculiarities,  is  a  man  of  noble  integrity,  possessing  an 
inexhaustible  knowledge  of  society  and  of  the  world,  of 
facts  and  experiences  which  he  is  ever  ready  to  com- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  265 

municate  with  the  most  cheerful  and  dehglitful  wilhng- 
ness.  Of  all  these  enjoyments  we  have  been  deprived 
by  your  fault,  and  how  can  you  restore  what  we  have 
lost  ? " 

Charles.  Spare  me,  my  dear  aunt.  T  feel  deeply 
the  weight  of  my  fault :  cease  to  explain  to  me  its 
evident  consequences. 

Baroness.  Rather  contemplate  them  as  closely  as 
possible.  Talk  not  of  sparing  you  :  only  inquire  how 
your  mind  may  be  coiTCCted.  It  is  not  the  first  time 
you  have  thus  erred,  nor  will  it  be  the  last.  Ye  inex- 
phcable  men  !  Cannot  even  misery,  which  brings  you 
together  under  one  roof,  and  confines  you  in  one  nar- 
row dwelling,  induce  you  to  practise  forbearance  toward 
each  other  ?  Do  you  need  any  additional  calamities 
besides  those  which  are  perpetually  bursting  upon  you  ? 
Consider  your  condition,  and  act  sensibly  and  justly 
toward  those  who,  in  truth,  would  deprive  you  of  noth- 
ing. Restrain  your  tempers  from  working  and  fer- 
menting blindly,  hke  some  storm  or  other  natural 
phenomenon  which  disturbs  the  world. 

Charles  made  no  reply.  The  tutor  advanced  from 
the  window,  where  he  had  been  standing,  toward  the 
baroness,  and  said  his  pupil  would  improve;  that  this 
event  would  act  as  a  warning,  that  he  should  test  his 
progress  daily,  that  he  would  remember  the  distress  the 
baroness  had  endured,  and  would  afford  con\dncing 
evidence  of  the  self-restraint  he  could  practise. 

Baroness.  How  easily  men  deceive  themselves,  espe- 
cially in  this  particular.  Authority  is  so  delightful  a 
word,  and  it  sounds  so  noble  to  promise  to  control  our- 
selves. Men  speak  of  it  with  pleasure,  and  would  per- 
suade us  that  they  can  seriously  practise  the  virtue. 
I  wish  I  had  ever  known  a  man  capable  of  subduing 
himself  in  the  smallest  particular.  In  indifferent  mat- 
ters they  affect  resolution,  as  if  the  loss  occasioned 
actual    suffering ;    whilst    their    real    desires    are    con- 


266  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

sidered  as  supremely  essential,  unavoidable,  and  indis- 
pensable. I  have  never  know  a  man  capable  of 
enduring  the  smallest  privation. 

Tutor.  You  are  seldom  unjust,  and  I  have  never 
seen  you  so  overpowered  by  anger  and  disappointment 
as  at  present. 

Baroness.  Well,  I  need  not  be  ashamed  of  my 
anger.  When  I  think  of  my  friend,  who  is  now  pur- 
suing her  journey  in  discomfort,  weeping,  probably,  at 
the  recollection  of  our  inhospitality,  my  heart  burns 
with  indignation. 

Tutor.  In  your  greatest  trouble,  I  have  never  seen 
you  so  agitated  and  exasperated  as  now. 

Baroness.  A  small  evil,  which  follows  closely  upon 
a  greater,  can  fill  the  cup ;  though,  in  truth,  it  is  no 
small  evil  to  lose  a  friend. 

Tutor.  Be  comforted,  and  rely  upon  our  improve- 
ment, and  that  we  will  do  all  in  our  power  to  content 
you. 

Baroness.  No :  I  shall  rely  upon  none  of  you. 
But,  for  the  future,  I  will  demand  obedience  from 
all.     I  will  command  in  my  own  house. 

"  Command,  certainly  !  "  exclaimed  Charles  ;  "  and 
you  shall  not  have  to  complain  of  our  disobedience." 

"  My  severity  will  scarcely  be  very  harsh,"  rejoined 
the  baroness,  with  a  smile,  as  she  recovered  herself : 
"  I  am  not  fond  of  commanding,  particularly  demo- 
crats ;  but  I  will  give  you  some  advice,  and  make  one 
request." 

Tutor.  Both  shall  we  consider  as  laws  to  be 
strictly  observed. 

Baroness.  It  would  be  ridiculous,  if  I  thought  to 
impair  the  interest  you  all  take  in  the  great  events  of 
the  world,  —  events,  the  victims  of  which  we  ourselves 
have  become.  I  cannot  change  the  opinions  which 
exist  and  are  established  in  the  mind  of  each  of  you, 
according  to  his  peculiar  disposition ;  and  it  would  be 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  267 

no  less  harsh  than  foolish  to  require  of  you  to  suppress 
them.  P>ut  I  can  demand  this,  at  least,  from  the  circle 
in  which  I  live,  that  those  of  similar  sentiments  shall 
associate  peaceably  together,  and  converse  in  harmony. 
In  your  private  apartments,  during  your  walks,  and 
wherever  else  you  meet,  you  may  communicate  to- 
gether at  will,  support  your  respective  opinions,  and 
enjoy  the  gi-atification  of  an  ardent  conviction.  But, 
my  dear  friends,  let  us  not  forget  how  much  we  were 
accustomed  to  sacrifice  of  our  own  individual  opinions, 
for  the  sake  of  general  harmony,  long  before  these 
new  topics  became  the  fashion ;  and,  as  long  as  the 
world  lasts,  we  must  all,  for  the  general  benefit,  prac- 
tise some  outward  self-control.  It  is  not,  therefore, 
for  the  sake  of  virtue,  but  in  the  name  of  common 
politeness,  that  I  implore  you  now  to  concede  to  me 
a  favour  which  I  think  I  may  safely  say  you  have 
always  granted  to  the  veriest  stranger. 

"  It  seems  to  me  strange,"  continued  the  baroness, 
"  that  we  should  have  so  far  forgotten  ourselves.  What 
has  become  of  our  politeness  ?  It  used  to  be  the  custom 
in  society  to  avoid  topics  disagreeable  to  others.  Prot- 
estants, in  the  company  of  CathoHcs,  never  asserted 
that  church  ceremonies  were  ridiculous ;  and  the  most 
bigoted  Catholic  never  maintained,  before  a  Protestant, 
that  the  old  religion  afforded  the  only  chance  of  sal- 
vation. In  the  presence  of  a  mother  who  had  lost  her 
son,  no  one  displayed  the  deep  dehght  he  took  in  his 
children ;  and  an  inappropriate  word  occasioned  gen- 
eral embarrassment.  It  seemed  the  duty  of  each  to 
repair  the  accidental  evil,  but  now  the  very  reverse 
of  all  this  seems  to  be  the  rule.  We  appear  to  seek 
the  opportunity  of  introducing  subjects  calculated  to 
give  pain.  Oh,  my  dear  friends,  let  us  try  and  restore 
the  old  system  !  We  have  much  to  endure  already ; 
and  who  knows  how  soon  the  smoke  of  the  day,  or  the 
flames  of  the  night,  may  annoimce  the  destruction  of 


268  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

our  dwellings  and  of  our  most  valued  possessions  ? 
Let  us,  at  least,  forbear  to  announce  this  intelligence 
with  triumph :  let  us  cease,  by  our  own  bitter  observa- 
tions, to  impress  our  souls  with  calamities  which  it  is 
painful  enough  to  endure  in  silence. 

"  When  your  father  died,  was  it  your  habit  to  renew 
my  giief  upon  every  opportunity  by  a  reference  to  the 
sad  subject?  Did  you  not  rather  avoid  all  improper 
allusion  to  his  memory,  and  seek  by  your  love,  your 
silent  sympathy,  and  your  incessant  attentions,  to 
soften  my  sorrow  and  relieve  my  pain  ?  Should  not 
we  now  practise  the  same  kind  forbearance,  which 
often  brings  more  consolation  than  the  offices  of  active 
friendship,  more  particularly  at  this  time,  when  ours 
is  not  the  grief  of  an  individual  in  the  midst  of  a 
happy  multitude,  where  sorrow  disappears  amid  the 
general  content,  but  the  grief  of  thousands,  where  but 
few  indeed  are  capable  of  experiencing  an  accidental 
or  artificial  consolation  ? 

Charles.  My  dear  aunt,  you  have  sufficiently 
humihated  us :  may  we  take  your  hand  in  token  of 
reconcihation  ? 

Baroness.  Here  it  is,  on  condition  that  you  will 
obey  its  guidance.  We  proclaim  a  general  amnesty, 
which  it  is  now  barely  possible  to  resolve  upon  with 
sufficient  speed. 

The  young  ladies,  who  had  all  been  dissolved  in 
tears  since  the  event  we  have  related,  now  made  their 
appearance,  but  could  not  be  persuaded  to  be  recon- 
ciled to  Charles. 

"  You  are  welcome,  children,"  said  the  baroness, 
addressing  them.  "  We  have  just  had  a  serious  con- 
versation, which,  I  trust,  will  establish  peace  and 
harmony  amongst  us :  perhaps  it  was  never  more 
important  that  we  should  be  friends,  and  enjoy  even 
one  brief  portion  of  the  day.  Let  us  make  this  resolu- 
tion, to  banish  from  our  conversation  all  reference  to 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  269 

the  mere  events  of  the  time.  How  long  have  we  been 
deprived  of  all  instruction  and  entertaining  inter- 
course !  How  long  it  seems,  dear  Charles,  since  you 
have  amused  us  with  accounts  of  distant  lauds,  with 
whose  productions,  inhabitants,  manners,  and  customs, 
you  are  so  well  acquainted !  And  you,"  continued  the 
baroness,  addressing  the  tutor,  "  you  have  not  lately 
instructed  us  in  history,  ancient  or  modern,  in  the 
comparison  of  centuries  or  of  remarkable  men.  And 
you,  young  ladies !  where  are  the  pretty  poems  you 
used  to  bring  forth  from  their  hiding-places  for  the 
dehght  of  your  friends  ?  what  has  become  of  all  your 
free  philosophic  observations  ?  Have  you  no  more 
ambition  to  surprise  us  with  some  wonderful  mineral 
specimen,  some  unknown  plant,  or  remarkable  msect, 
brought  home  from  your  walks,  and  afibrding  occasion 
for  pleasing  speculations  on  the  mysterious  connection 
of  all  the  productions  of  nature  ?  Let  us  restore  all 
those  charming  anmsements  by  an  agreement,  a  reso- 
lution, a  rule,  to  be  useful,  instructive,  and,  above  all 
things,  companionable,  toward  each  other  ;  for  all  these 
advantages  we  can  enjoy,  even  in  the  most  extreme 
adversity.     Your  promise,  children." 

They  promised  eagerly.  "  And  now  I  dismiss  you," 
added  the  baroness :  "  the  evening  is  fine,  amuse  your- 
selves as  you  please ;  and  at  supper-time  let  us  en- 
joy a  friendly  communion  together,  after  so  long  an 
interruption." 

The  company  separated.  Lousia  alone  remained 
with  her  mother.  She  could  not  so  easily  forget 
the  misfortune  of  losing  her  companion,  and  allowed 
Charles,  whom  she  had  invited  to  accompany  her  upon 
a  walk,  to  set  out  alone.  For  some  time  the  baroness 
and  her  daughter  remained  together,  when  the  clerg}'- 
man  entered,  after  a  long  absence,  entirely  ignorant 
of  what  had,  in  the  meantime,  happened.  Laying  by 
his   hat   and    stick,  he   took  a  seat,  and  was  about 


270  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

to  naiTate  something,  when  Louisa,  pretending  to  con- 
tinue a  conversation  with  her  motlier,  cut  short  his 
intention  with  the  following  observations : 

"  Some  of  our  company  will,  I  think,  find  the 
arrangement  we  have  come  to  rather  disagreeable. 
"WTieu  we  hved  in  the  country,  it  is  true,  we  were 
sometimes  at  a  loss  for  conversation ;  for  it  did  not 
happen  so  often,  as  in  town,  that  a  girl  could  be  slan- 
dered, or  a  young  man  traduced :  but  still  we  had  an 
alternative  in  describing  the  follies  of  two  great 
nations,  in  finding  the  Germans  as  absurd  as  the 
French,  and  in  representing  first  one,  and  then  the 
other,  as  Jacobins  and  Eadicals.  But,  if  these  topics 
are  forbidden,  some  of  our  society  will  be  rendered 
stupid." 

"  Is  this  attack  aimed  at  me,  young  lady  ? "  asked 
the  old  clergyman  with  a  smile.  "  You  know  how 
ready  I  am  to  be  sacrificed  for  the  benefit  of  the  com- 
pany. For  though  upon  all  occasions  you  do  credit 
to  your  instructors,  and  every  one  finds  ycir  society 
both  amiable  and  dehghtful,  yet  there  is  a  cei  "".ain  little 
malicious  spirit  within  you,  which,  notwithstanding  all 
your  efforts,  you  cannot  entirely  subdue,  and  which 
prompts  you  to  take  your  revenge  at  my  expense. 
Tell  me,  gracious  lady,"  he  continued,  turning  toward 
the  baroness,  "  what  has  occurred  during  my  absence, 
and  what  topics  have  been  excluded  from  our  society  ? " 

The  baroness  informed  him  of  all  that  had  taken 
place.  He  listened  attentively,  and  then  observed 
that  "  this  regulation  would  probably  enable  many 
persons  to  entertain  the  company  better  than  others." 

"  We  shall  be  able  to  endure  it,"  said  Louisa. 

"  Such  an  arrangement,"  he  added,  "  will  not  be 
grievous  to  those  who  have  been  accustomed  to  rely 
upon  their  own  resources :  on  the  contrary,  they  will 
find  it  pleasant ;  since  they  can  amuse  the  company 
with  such  pursuits  as  they  have  followed  in  private. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  271 

And  do  not  be  offended,  young  lady,  if  I  attribute  to 
society  the  very  existence  of  all  newsmongers,  spies, 
and  slanderers.  For  ray  part,  1  never  see  persons  so 
lively  and  so  animated,  either  at  a  learned  meeting 
or  at  a  public  lecture  convened  for  general  instruction, 
as  in  a  society  where  some  piece  of  scandal  is  intro- 
duced which  reflects  on  the  character  of  a  neighbour. 
Ask  yourself,  or  ask  others,  what  invests  a  piece  of 
news  with  its  greatest  charm  ?  Not  its  importance, 
nor  its  influence,  but  its  mere  novelty.  Nothing  old 
is  cared  for :  novelty  by  itself  excites  our  surprise, 
awakens  the  imagination,  gently  agitates  the  feelings, 
and  requires  no  exertion  of  the  reasoning  powers. 
Every  man  can  take  the  most  lively  interest  in  a 
piece  of  news  with  the  least  trouble  to  liimself  : 
indeed,  since  a  succession  of  new  events  carries  us 
rapidly  from  one  circumstance  to  another,  nothing 
is  more  welcome  to  the  generality  of  mankind  than 
this  inducement  to  constant  diversion,  and  this  oppor- 
tunity of  venting  their  spleen  and  malice  in  an  agree- 
able and  varied  manner." 

"  Well ! "  exclaimed  Louisa,  "  you  show  some  skill 
at  explanation :  just  now  you  censured  individuals,  at 
present  you  condemn  mankind  in  general." 

"  I  do  not  require,"  he  answered,  "  that  you  should 
render  me  justice :  but  this  I  must  say,  we  who  depend 
upon  society  must  act  according  to  its  rules ;  and  it 
would  be  safer  to  provoke  its  resentment  than  its  ennui, 
by  requiring  it  to  think  or  reflect.  We  must  avoid 
everything  that  would  tend  to  this  result,  and  pursue 
by  ourselves  in  private  whatever  would  prove  un- 
palatable to  the  public." 

"  By  yourselves  in  private,"  said  Louisa,  "  many  a 
bottle  of  wine  will,  I  suppose,  be  drunk,  and  many 
a  nap  taken  in  the  daytime." 

"  I  have  never,"  continued  the  old  clergyman,  "  set 
much  value  upon  my  own  actions ;  for  I  know  how 


272  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

little  I  have  done  for  others :  I  am,  however,  in  pos- 
session of  something  which  may,  perhaps,  afford  agree- 
able relaxation  to  this  society,  circumstanced  as  it  is 
at  present." 

"  To  what  do  you  allude  ?  "  inquired  the  baroness. 

"  Rely  upon  it,"  interrupted  Louisa,  "  he  has  made 
some  marvellous  collection  of  scandals." 

"  You  are  mistaken,"  repHed  the  clergyman. 

"  We  shall  see,"  answered  Louisa. 

"Let  him  continue,  my  dear,"  said  the  baroness: 
"  and  do  not  accustom  yourself  to  act  in  a  hard  and 
unfriendly  manner  toward  others,  even  in  jest ;  as  they 
may  take  it  ill.  We  have  no  need  to  increase  our  evil 
habits  by  practising  them  for  entertainment.  Tell  me, 
my  dear  friend,  of  what  does  your  collection  consist  ? 
Will  it  conduce  to  our  amusement  ?  Have  you  been 
long  employed  about  it  ?  Why  have  you  never  men- 
tioned it  before  ? " 

"  I  will  give  you  an  account  of  the  whole  matter," 
rejoined  the  old  clergyman.  "  I  have  hved  long  in 
the  world,  and  have  paid  much  attention  to  public 
occurrences.  I  have  neither  talent  nor  inclination  for 
chronicling  great  actions,  and  worldly  affairs  in  general 
are  troublesome  to  me ;  but  amongst  the  many  private 
histories,  true  and  false,  which  sometimes  happen  in 
public  or  are  related  in  private,  there  are  some  which 
possess  a  greater  attraction  than  the  charm  of  mere 
novelty,  some  which  are  calculated  to  improve  us  by 
their  moral  application,  some  which  display  at  a  glance 
the  secret  springs  of  human  nature,  and  others,  again, 
whose  very  absurdities  are  amusing.  Amongst  the 
multitude  of  occurrences  which  attract  our  attention 
and  our  malice  in  ordinary  Hfe,  and  which  are  as 
common  as  the  individuals  to  whom  they  relate,  I 
have  noted  down  a  few  on  account  of  their  peculiar 
character,  because  they  engaged  and  excited  my  atten- 
tion and  feelings ;  and  the  very  recollection  of  them 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  273 

has  never  failed  to  produce  a  niouicutary  sensation  of 
pure  and  tranquil  pleasure." 

"  I  am  curious  to  hear,"  said  the  baroness,  "  the 
nature  of  your  anecdotes,  and  to  learn  their  peculiar 
character." 

"  You  may  easily  suppose,"  replied  the  cler^'yman, 
"that  they  are  not  al)Out  disputes  or  family  matters. 
Such  things  have  little  interest  except  for  those  who 
are  engaged  in  them." 

Louisa.     And  what  are  yours  about  ? 

Clergyman.  Why,  for  the  most  part,  they  treat  of 
those  emotions  by  which  friends  become  attached  or 
disunited,  happy  or  miserable,  and  by  which  they  are 
more  frequently  entangled  than  improved. 

Louisa.  Indeed !  I  suppose  you  will  produce  a 
collection  of  merry  adventures  for  our  instruction  and 
improvement.  Excuse  me  for  making  this  observation, 
dear  mamma ;  it  seems  so  evident :  and  it  is,  of  course, 
allowable  to  speak  the  truth. 

Clergyman.  I  suspect  that  you  will  not  find  anything 
in  the  whole  collection  which  may  be  styled  merry. 

Louisa.  And  what  would  you  consider  of  that  de- 
scription ? 

Clergyman.  Scandalous  dialogues  or  situations  are 
my  abhorrence.  I  object  equally  that  common  ad- 
ventures, which  are  unworthy  of  engaging  our  atten- 
tion, should  be  told  with  exaggerated  importance :  they 
excite  our  expectations  unduly,  in  place  of  giving  real 
pleasure  to  the  mind.  They  make  a  mystery  of  that 
which  should  be  wholly  unveiled,  or  from  which  we 
should  altogether  turn  our  eyes. 

Louisa.  I  do  not  understand  you.  You  will,  how- 
ever, relate  your  stories  with  some  degree  of  elegance. 
I  hope  our  ears  will  not  be  offended  by  any  coarse 
adventures.  Y"ou  nmst  consider  us  in  the  light  of  a 
ladies'  seminary,  and  look  for  our  thanks  as  your 
recompense. 


274  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

Clergyman.  Nothing  of  the  sort.  But,  in  truth, 
you  will  hear  nothing  new,  particularly  as  I  have,  for 
some  time  back,  observed  that  you  never  miss  the 
perusal  of  certain  criticisms  in  some  of  the  learned 
reviews. 

Louisa.     You  are  really  too  bad. 

Clergyman.  You  are  engaged  to  be  married,  and  I 
therefore  pardon  you.  But  I  am  obhged  to  show  that 
I  also  possess  arrows  wliich  I  know  how  to  use. 

Baroness.  I  see  your  object  plainly,  but  you  must 
let  her  see  it  hkewise. 

Clergyman.  Then,  I  must  repeat  what  I  said  at  the 
beginning  of  this  conversation.  But  it  seems  you  had 
not  the  politeness  to  pay  attention. 

Louisa.  Wliat  is  the  use  of  attention  or  of  much 
argument  ?  Look  at  the  matter  in  any  hght,  they  will 
be  scandalous  stories,  in  some  shape  or  other,  and 
nothing  else. 

Clergyman.  Must  I  repeat,  young  lady,  that  a  well- 
regulated  mind  only  perceives  scandal  when  it  reads 
of  wickedness,  arrogance,  a  desire  to  mjure,  and  an 
unwillingness  to  oblige  ?  and  from  such  spectacles  he 
should  avert  his  eyes.  He  finds  pleasure  in  the  narra- 
tion of  trifling  faults  and  failings,  and  contemplates 
with  satisfaction  those  points  of  the  story  where  good 
men  contend  with  themselves,  with  their  desires  and 
their  intentions,  where  silly  and  conceited  mortals  are 
rebuked,  corrected,  or  deceived,  and  where  hopes,  wishes, 
and  designs  are  disturbed,  interrupted,  and  frustrated, 
or  unexpectedly  fulfilled,  accomplished,  and  confirmed. 
But,  on  those  scenes  where  accident  combines  with 
human  weakness  and  inefficiency,  he  dwells  with  the 
greatest  delight ;  and  none  of  the  heroes  whose  history 
he  authenticates  has  either  blame  to  apprehend  or 
praise  to  expect  from  liim. 

Baroness.  Your  introduction  excites  our  wish  to 
hear  a  specimen.     We  have  spent  the  greater  part  of 


THE    GERAUN    EMIGRANTS  275 

our  lifetime  in  one  circle,  and  liave  never  experi- 
enced anytliing  worthy  to  find  a  place  in  such  a 
collection. 

Clergyman.  Much  undoubtedly  depends  upon  the 
observer,  and  upon  tlie  peculiar  view  he  takes  of  oc- 
currences. But  I  will  not  deny  that  I  have  made 
large  extracts  from  old  lj(joks  and  traditions.  Perhaps 
you  will  have  no  objection  to  see  some  of  your  old 
friends  with  new  faces.  And  this  gives  me  a  privilege 
of  which  I  must  not  be  deprived,  —  that  none  of  my 
tales  shall  be  doubted. 

Louisa.  But  we  are  not  to  be  prevented  from  recog- 
nising our  friends  and  acquaintances,  or,  if  we  please, 
from  expounding  the  enigma. 

Clergyman.  Certainly  not.  But  you  vnll  allow  me, 
under  such  circumstances,  to  produce  an  old  folio,  to 
prove  that  the  identical  occun-ence  happened,  and  was 
made  matter  of  record,  some  centuries  ago.  And  I 
must  be  permitted  to  smile,  when  some  narration  is 
pronounced  to  be  an  old  fable,  though  it  may  have 
taken  place  amongst  ourselves,  without  our  being  able 
to  recognise  the  characters. 

Louisa.  We  shall  never  begin.  Had  we  not  better 
declare  a  truce  for  this  evening ;  and  do  you  commence 
a  story  at  once,  by  way  of  specimen  ? 

Clergyman.  Permit  me,  in  this  instance,  to  be  guilty 
of  disobedience.  The  entertainment  is  intended  for  the 
whole  assembled  company.  We  must  not  deprive  them 
of  it ;  and  I  must  premise  beforehand,  that  whatever  I 
have  to  say  possesses  no  value  in  itself.  But  when 
my  audience,  after  some  serious  occupation,  wishes  for 
a  brief  repose,  and,  already  sated  with  good  things, 
desires  the  addition  of  a  hght  dessert,  tlien  I  shall  be 
ready,  and  only  hope  that  wdiat  I  shall  provide  may 
not  prove  unpalatable. 

Baroness.  In  that  case,  we  had  better  postpone  the 
amusement  till  to-morrow. 


276  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

Lonisa.  I  am  beyond  measure  curious  to  know 
what  it  will  be. 

Clergyman.  You  must  not  be  so,  young  lady ;  for 
great  expectations  are  seldom  satisfied. 

That  same  evening,  after  dinner,  the  baroness  retired 
early  to  her  apartment ;  wliilst  the  rest  of  the  company 
remained  together,  and  discussed  the  many  reports 
which  were  current,  and  the  various  incidents  which 
had  happened.  As  is  generally  the  case  in  such  cir- 
cumstances, few  of  them  knew  what  to  doubt  or  what 
to  beheve. 

The  old  clergyman  had  his  remedy  for  such  an 
emergency.  "  I  propose,"  said  he,  "  as  the  most  con- 
venient plan,  that  we  all  believe  implicitly  whatever 
we  find  pleasant,  and  that  we  reject,  without  ceremony, 
whatever  we  find  unpleasant,  and  that  we  admit  to  be 
true  what  can  be  so." 

It  was  then  remarked  by  some  one,  that  men  gener- 
ally acted  in  this  way ;  and,  after  some  desultory  con- 
versation, they  commented  upon  that  strange  propensity 
of  our  nature  to  believe  in  the  marvellous.  They  talked 
of  romances  and  vivsions :  and,  when  the  old  clergyman 
had  promised  at  a  future  time  to  relate  some  interesting 
anecdotes  upon  these  subjects,  Louisa  exclaimed,  "  It 
will  be  extremely  good  of  you,  and  you  will  merit  our 
gratitude,  by  telling  us  a  story  of  that  description  now ; 
for  we  are  all  in  the  proper  humour  for  it :  we  shall 
pay  attention  and  be  thankful."  Without  needing 
further  entreaties,  the  old  clergyman  commenced  at 
once,  as  follows : 

"  During  my  residence  in  Naples,  an  event  happened 
which  attracted  universal  attention,  and  with  regard 
to  which  public  opinion  varied  exceedingly.  Some 
persons  maintained  that  the  circumstance  had  actually 
occurred ;  whilst  others  asserted,  that,  though  true  in 
general,  it  was  founded  upon  a  gross  deceit.  The  latter 
class    of   persons    were    at    further  variance    amongst 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  277 

themselves:  they  could  not  agree  who  was  the  de- 
ceiver. Others  held  it  to  be  far  from  clear  that 
spiritual  natures  were  incapable  of  influencing  the 
elements  and  human  bodies,  and  maintained  that  we 
were  not  justified  in  pronouncing  cvcvy  marvellous 
occurrence  to  be  a  fraud  or  a  delusion,  ijut  now 
to  the  facts  themselves. 

« At  the  time  I  speak  of,  a  singer  named  Antonelli 
was  the  favourite  of  the  Neapolitan  public.  In  the 
bloom  of  youth,  beauty,  and  talents,  she  was  deficient 
in  none  of  those  enchantments  by  which  women  can 
allure  and  captivate,  and  render  a  certain  class  of  their 
favourites  happy.  She  was  not  insensible  to  the 
charms  of  love  and  flattery ;  but,  naturally  temperate 
and  sensible,  she  knew  how  to  enjoy  the  delights 
of  both,  \vithout  losing  that  self-respect  which  was  so 
essential  to  her  happiness.  The  young,  the  distin- 
guished, and  the  rich,  flocked  to  her  in  crowds;  but 
she  admitted  few  to  her  friendship:  and,  if  she  pur- 
sued her  own  inclination  in  the  choice  of  her  admirers, 
she  evinced,  upon  all  occasions,  so  firm  and  resolute  a 
character,  that  she  attached  every  person  to  her.  I 
had  an  opportunity  of  observing  her  upon  one  occasion, 
in  consequence  of  my  close  intimacy  with  one  of 
her  especial  favourites. 

"  Some  years  had  elapsed :  her  friends  were  numer- 
ous ;  and  amongst  the  number  were  many  foolish, 
simple,  and  fickle  personages.  It  was  her  opinion  that  a 
lover  who,  in  a  certain  sense,  is  everything  to  woman, 
generally  proves  deficient  in  those  very  emergencies 
when  she  most  needs  his  assistance ;  as,  for  example, 
in  the  difificulties  of  life,  in  domestic  necessities,  and 
upon  the  occurrence  of  sudden  disasters.  In  such 
times  she  maintained  that  his  own  self-love  often 
proved  absolutely  prejudicial  to  his  mistress,  and  his 
advice  became  positively  dangerous. 

"  Her  former  attachments  were  insufficient  to  satisfy 


278  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

her  soul.  The  void  required  to  be  filled.  She  wished 
for  a  friend ;  aud  scarcely  had  she  felt  this  want,  when 
she  found,  amongst  those  who  sought  her  favours, 
a  youth  upon  whom  she  bestowed  her  confidence, 
of  which  in  every  respect  he  seemed  worthy. 

"  He  was  a  native  of  Genoa,  and  had  taken  up 
his  residence  in  Naples,  to  transact  the  mercantile 
business  of  a  firm  to  which  he  belonged.  His  natural 
talents  had  been  improved  by  a  most  excellent  educa- 
tion. His  knowledge  was  extensive,  his  mind  and 
body  were  sound  and  active,  and  his  general  conduct 
might  serve  as  a  model ;  and  in  his  attention  to  others 
he  ever  seemed  forgetful  of  himself.  He  was  imbued 
with  the  commercial  spirit  for  wliich  his  native  town 
was  distinguished.  All  his  speculations  were  upon 
a  large  scale.  His  condition,  however,  was  none  of 
the  happiest.  The  firm  had  entered  into  some  unfor- 
tunate transactions,  and  became  entangled  in  ruinous 
lawsuits.  Time  only  increased  the  difficulties ;  and 
the  anxiety  he  endured  gave  him  an  air  of  melan- 
choly, which  was  not  unbecoming,  and  made  Antonelli 
still  more  desirous  of  his  acquaintance,  from  the  idea 
that  he  stood  in  need  of  a  friend. 

"  Until  now  he  had  only  seen  Antonelli  in  pubhc : 
but,  at  his  first  request,  .she  granted  him  access  to  her 
house ;  even  urging  him  to  visit  her,  a  favour  which  he 
did  not  fail  to  accept. 

"  She  lost  no  time  in  communicating  to  him  her 
confidence  and  her  wishes.  He  was  no  less  surprised 
than  delighted  at  her  proposals.  She  implored  him 
earnestly  to  be  her  friend,  but  to  make  no  pretensions 
to  the  privileges  of  a  lover.  She  made  him  acquainted 
with  some  embarrassments  in  which  she  had  become 
involved,  and  his  great  experience  enabled  him  to  offer 
advice  and  assistance  for  her  speedy  release.  In  return 
for  this  confidence,  he  unfolded  to  her  his  own  situa- 
tion :  and,  whilst  she  endeavoured  to  cheer  and  console 


>  '"v't 


i 


m 


D  for  wmch  his 


Uu  pi 


She  granted  him  to  her  house  " 

•    '.'ravure  from  ihe  puii.ui.g  by  Lucius  Kossi 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  279 

him,  many  iiew  plans  occurred  to  him,  which  he  had 
not  thought  of  before  ;  and  she  thus  ap}jeared  to  be  his 
adviser  :  and  a  reciprocal  friendshij),  founded  on  the 
highest  regard  and  respect,  was  established  between 
them. 

"  Unfortunately,  we  do  not  always  consider  the 
practicabihty  of  the  ol)ligations  we  incur.  He  had 
promised  to  be  her  friend,  and  to  make  no  pretensions 
to  the  privileges  of  a  lover.  But  he  could  not  deny 
that  those  who  came  to  see  her  as  such  were  not  only 
unwelcome  to,  but  were  detested  by,  him ;  and  it  was 
extremely  painful  to  him  when  she  meant  to  amuse 
him  with  the  description  of  their  various  characters. 

"  It  soon  happened,  fortunately,  or  perhaps  unfor- 
tunately, that  her  heart  was  again  free.  This  was  a 
source  of  extreme  dehght  to  our  young  friend,  who  lost 
no  time  in  entreating  that  the  vacant  place  might 
be  allotted  to  him.  With  some  reluctance  she  listened 
to  his  proposals.  '  I  fear,'  she  said,  '  that,  in  making 
this  concession,  I  shall  lose  my  friend.'  Her  anticipa- 
tion was  correct ;  for  scarcely  had  he  for  a  short  time 
filled  this  double  character,  when  he  found  her  temper 
changed.  As  her  friend  he  had  been  content  with  her 
respect ;  as  a  lover  he  demanded  her  affection  ;  and,  as 
an  intelligent  and  accomplished  man,  constant  enter- 
tainment. But  this  was  more  than  Antonelli  expected. 
She  was  un\Wlling  to  make  an  entire  sacrifice  of 
herself,  and  had  no  wish  to  surrender  her  absolute 
liberty  to  any  one.  She  soon  adopted  ingenious  expe- 
dients for  curtailing  the  length  of  his  visits,  for  avoiding 
his  presence,  and  for  making  him  sensible  that  she 
would  not  consent  to  forego  her  independence  for  any 
consideration. 

"  This  discovery  was  to  him  a  source  of  the  gi'catest 
misery  ;  and,  unfortunately,  the  calamity  did  not  come 
alone.  His  domestic  affairs  became  more  and  more 
involved ;  and  he  found  reason  for  reproaching  himself 


28o  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

with  having  always  considered  his  income  as  inex- 
haustible, and  with  having  neglected  his  business  in 
order  to  engage  in  foreign  travel,  and  to  make  a  greater 
figure  in  the  world  than  he  was  entitled  to  do,  from  the 
advantages  of  his  birth  and  income.  The  lawsuits, 
from  which  he  expected  so  much,  were  tardy  and  ex- 
pensive. They  took  him  frequently  to  Palermo ;  and, 
upon  the  occasion  of  his  last  journey  thither,  Antonelh 
adopted  means  to  change  the  nature  of  her  estabUsh- 
ment,  for  the  purpose  of  becoming  gradually  disengaged 
from  him.  On  liis  return  he  found  her  in  another 
residence,  at  some  distance  from  his ;  and  he  saw  that 
the  Marquis  of  S.,  who  at  that  time  exercised  great 
influence  in  the  world  of  fashion,  had  unreserved  admis- 
sion to  her  house.  He  was  greatly  affected  by  this 
discovery,  which  brought  on  a  serious  illness.  Upon 
hearing  this  sad  intelhgence,  Antonelli  hastened  to 
him,  attended  him ;  and,  as  she  was  fully  aware  that 
his  purse  was  but  scantily  supplied,  she  left  a  large 
sum  of  money,  which  supplied  his  necessities  for  a 
considerable  time. 

"  In  consequence  of  his  efforts  to  restrain  her  free- 
dom, he  had  fallen  considerably  in  her  estimation.  As 
her  attachment  diminished,  her  suspicions  iucreased ; 
and  she  at  length  began  to  think  that  a  person 
who  had  managed  his  own  affairs  so  badly  was  not 
entitled  to  a  high  character  for  good  sense.  But 
he  was  unaware  of  the  great  change  which  had  taken 
place  in  her  feelings  toward  him ;  and  he  attributed 
her  anxiety  for  his  recovery,  and  the  constancy  of 
her  attentions  which  induced  her  to  spend  whole  days 
at  his  bedside,  rather  to  her  love  for  him  than  to  com- 
passion for  his  sufferings ;  and  he  hoped,  upon  his 
recovery,  to  find  himself  once  more  reinstated  in  her 
favour. 

"  But  he  was  grievously  mistaken.  With  Ms  restora- 
tion to  health  and  strength,  all  semblance  of  affection 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  281 

disappeared  ;  and  he  now  seemed  as  odious  in  her  eyes 
as  he  had  formerly  proved  agreeable.  In  addition 
to  this,  his  temper  had  unconsciously  })ecoine  soured 
and  unbearable.  He  attributed  to  otliers  all  the  blame 
of  his  own  misfortunes,  and  justified  himself  fully 
from  their  evil  consequences.  He  considered  himself 
an  injured  and  persecuted  invalid,  and  looked  for  a 
complete  recompense  for  all  his  troubles  in  the  devoted 
afl'ection  of  his  mistress. 

"  With  these  exalted  expectations  he  visited  Antonelli 
immediately  upon  his  recovery.  He  would  be  satisfied 
with  nothing  short  of  her  entire  affection,  the  dismissal 
of  all  her  other  friends  and  acquaintances,  her  complete 
retirement  from  the  stage,  and  her  devoting  herself 
to  him  alone.  She  demonstrated  the  impossibility  of 
complying  with  these  requests,  at  first  in  a  playful, 
and  afterward  in  a  more  serious,  tone.  At  length  she 
communicated  to  him  the  sad  intelHgence  that  their 
connection  nmst  end.     He  left  her,  and  never  returned. 

"  For  several  years  afterward  he  lived  in  a  retired 
manner,  in  the  house  of  a  pious  old  lady,  who  had 
a  small  independence.  At  this  period  he  gained  his 
first  lawsuit,  and  was  soon  afterward  successful  in 
another ;  but  this  change  of  fortune  came  too  late :  his 
health  was  undermined,  and  the  joy  of  his  existence 
had  vanished.  A  slight  accident  brought  on  a  relapse, 
and  the  physician  announced  to  him  his  approaching 
death.  He  heard  his  fate  without  a  murmur,  and 
merely  expressed  a  wish  to  see  his  beautiful  friend 
once  more.  He  sent  his  servant  to  her,  —  the  same 
messenger  who,  in  happier  days,  had  brought  him 
many  a  delightful  answer.  He  entreated  an  inter- 
view: she  refused.  He  sent  a  second  time,  and 
implored  her  to  consent :  she  was  still  inexorable.  At 
length,  at  midnight,  he  sent  a  third  time.  She  was 
embarrassed,  and  communicated  her  situation  to  me; 
as  I  had    been  invited,  along  with  the    marquis  and 


282  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

some  other  friends,  to  spend  the  evening  at  her  house. 
I  advised  her,  indeed  begged  of  her,  to  show  some  last 
attentions  to  her  friend.  She  appeared  undecided  at 
first,  but,  after  a  short  reflection,  made  up  her  mind, 
and  dismissed  the  servant  with  a  refusal.  He  did  not 
return. 

"  After  supper  we  were  all  engaged  in  social  conver- 
sation, and  general  animation  and  hilarity  prevailed. 
Suddenly,  a  little  after  midnight,  a  piercing  shriek  of 
bitter,  painful  lamentation  was  heard.  We  rose 
from  the  table,  looked  at  each  other,  and  wondered 
what  this  strange  event  could  mean.  The  sound 
seemed  to  come  from  the  middle  of  the  room  in  which 
we  were  assembled,  and  die  away  near  the  walls.  The 
marquis  rushed  to  the  window ;  whilst  we  endeavoured 
to  support  AntonelH,  who  had  fainted.  By  degrees 
she  regained  consciousness.  She  had  scarcely  opened 
her  eyes  when  the  jealous  and  passionate  marquis 
loaded  her  with  the  bitterest  reproaches.  '  If  you 
choose  to  have  these  mysterious  understandings  with 
your  friends,'  said  he,  '  at  least  let  them  be  of  a  less 
fearful  nature.'  She  replied,  with  her  wonted  presence 
of  mind,  '  that,  as  she  had  always  enjoyed  the  right  of 
seeing  her  friends  whenever  she  pleased,  she  would 
scarcely  select  such  appalling  sounds  as  they  had  just 
heard,  to  indicate  approaching  happiness.' 

"  And,  in  truth,  the  cry  had  in  it  something  unspeak- 
ably appalhng.  The  long-continued  scream  of  anguish 
dwelt  upon  our  ears,  and  made  our  very  limbs  tremble. 
Antonelh  was  pale,  motionless,  and  in  a  continual  faint. 
We  sat  with  her  for  half  the  night,  but  we  heard 
nothing  further.  On  the  following  night,  the  same 
company,  who  had  met  together  not  quite  so  cheerful 
as  usual,  though  with  a  reasonable  supply  of  courage, 
about  the  same  hour  of  midnight  heard  the  same 
identical  loud  and  appalling  shriek. 

"  We  had,  in  the   meantime,  wearied  our  imagina- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  283 

tions  in  framing  conjectures  as  to  the  cause  of  the  cry, 
and  whence  it  could  proceed.  But  why  should  I 
weary  you  ?  Whenever  Antonelli  .supped  at  home,  at 
the  selfsame  hour  the  same  shriek  was  heard,  some- 
times louder  and  sometimes  fainter.  It  was  .spoken 
of  all  over  Naples.  Tiie  mystery  excited  universal  at- 
tention. The  poHce  were  called  out.  Spies  were  placed 
in  every  direction,  to  detect  the  cau.se  of  the  mystery. 
To  persons  in  the  street,  the  shriek  appeared  to  come 
from  the  open  air ;  whilst  in  the  house  it  seemed  to 
proceed  from  the  very  room  in  which  Antonelli  was 
sitting.  When  she  supped  abroad  nothing  whatsoever 
occurred;  but,  as  often  as  she  supped  at  home,  the 
horrid  shriek  was  invariably  heard. 

"  But  her  absence  from  home  did  not  upon  all  occa- 
sions protect  her  from  this  fearful  visitation.  Her 
many  personal  recommendations  secured  her  a  welcome 
reception  in  the  most  distinguished  families.  Being  a 
pleasant  companion,  she  was  everywhere  well  received ; 
and  it  had  lately  become  her  custom,  in  order  to  escape 
the  fearful  visitation  we  have  described,  to  spend  her 
evenings  from  home. 

"One  evening  a  gentleman  of  great  respectability, 
owing  to  his  age  and  position,  accompanied  her  to 
her  house  in  his  carriage.  Wlien  she  was  taking 
leave  of  liim  at  the  door,  a  loud  shriek  was  heard, 
wliich  seemed  to  come  from  between  them;  and  the 
gentleman,  who,  like  many  others,  had  often  heard  of 
this  mysterious  occurrence,  was  lifted  into  his  carriage 
more  hke  a  corpse  than  a  living  person. 

"  Upon  another  occasion  a  young  singer,  to  whom 
she  was  partial,  drove  through  the  town  with  her  in 
the  evening,  to  visit  a  friend.  He  likewise  had  fre- 
quently heard  of  the  wonderful  phenomenon  we  have 
related,  and,  with  the  spirits  of  a  hght-hearted  youth, 
had  expressed  his  doubts  of  its  reality.  They  spoke 
of   the   circumstance.      *I  wish    extremely,'    said  he, 


284  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

'  that  I  could  hear  the  voice  of  your  invisible  com- 
panion ;  call  him,  —  perhaps  he  will  come :  we  are  two, 
and  need  not  fear  him.'  From  thoughtlessness,  or 
indifference  to  danger,  I  know  not  which,  she  called 
the  spirit :  and  instantly  the  piercing  shriek  issued, 
as  it  were,  from  the  middle  of  the  carriage ;  three  times 
it  was  heard,  and  then  died  aw^ay  gi'adually.  Arrived 
at  the  house  of  their  friend,  both  were  found  insensible 
in  the  carriage :  with  difficulty  they  recovered  their 
senses  sufficiently  to  relate  what  had  happened. 

"  It  was  some  time  before  Antonelli  completely 
recovered.  Her  health  became  impaired  by  the  con- 
stantly recurring  fright  she  sustained :  but  when,  at 
length,  her  fearful  visitor  appeared  to  intend  that  she 
should  enjoy  some  repose,  she  began  to  hope  for  a 
complete  cessation  of  this  annoyance ;  but  this  expec- 
tation was  premature. 

"  At  the  end  of  the  carnival,  accompanied  by  a 
young  female  acquaintance  and  a  servant,  she  set  out 
upon  an  excursion  of  pleasure.  It  was  her  intention 
to  \dsit  a  friend  in  the  country.  Night  came  on  before 
she  reached  her  destination :  an  accident  happened  to 
the  carriage;  and  she  was  necessitated  to  take  refuge 
in  a  small  country  inn,  and  to  put  up  with  the  indif- 
ferent accommodation  it  afforded. 

"  Her  companion  had  already  gone  to  bed ;  and  the 
servant,  having  arranged  the  night-hght,  was  about  to 
retire,  when  her  mistress  observed  jestingly,  '  I  think 
we  are  at  the  end  of  the  world  :  it  is  a  dreadful  night ; 
I  wonder  whether  he  can  find  us  out  ? '  That  very 
instant  the  shriek  was  heard  more  piercing  and  louder 
than  ever.  Her  companion  was  terrified  beyond  expres- 
sion, sprang  from  her  bed,  rushed  down-stairs,  and 
alarmed  the  whole  house.  No  one  that  night  closed 
an  eye.  It  was,  however,  the  last  time  the  shriek  was 
heard.  But  the  unwelcome  visitor  soon  found  another 
more  frightful  mode  of  indicating  his  presence. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  285 

"  He  was  quiet  for  a  short  time,  when  one  evening, 
at  the  accustomed  hour,  as  Autonelh  sat  with  her 
companions  at  table,  a  shot  from  a  gun,  or  from  a 
heavily  loaded  pistol,  was  fired  in  at  the  window. 
Every  one  heard  the  report,  every  one  saw  the  flash ; 
but,  upon  the  closest  ius])ection,  the  window  was  found 
not  to  have  sustained  the  slightest  injury.  But  the 
circumstance  seemed  to  every  one  of  the  most  alarming 
importance,  and  all  thought  that  an  attempt  had  been 
made  upon  Antonelli's  life.  The  police  were  called, 
and  the  neighbouring  house  was  searched ;  but,  as 
nothing  suspicious  was  found,  guards  were  placed  in 
it  next  day  from  top  to  bottom.  Her  own  dwelling 
was  carefully  examined,  and  spies  were  even  dispersed 
about  the  streets. 

"  But  all  this  precaution  was  useless.  For  three 
months  in  succession,  at  the  very  same  hour,  the  shot 
was  fired  through  the  same  window,  without  the  slight- 
est injury  to  the  glass ;  and,  what  was  especially  re- 
markable, this  always  took  place  exactly  one  hour 
before  midnight :  although  in  Naples  time  is  counted 
after  the  Italian  fashion,  and  the  term  midnight  is 
never  used. 

"  But  custom  at  length  reconciled  all  parties  to  this 
occurrence,  as  it  had  done  to  the  previous  one;  and 
the  ghost  began  to  lose  credit  by  reason  of  his  very 
harmless  tricks.  The  shot  ceased  to  alarm  the  com- 
pany, or  even  to  interrupt  their  conversation. 

"  One  sultry  evening,  the  day  ha\dng  been  very  hot, 
Antonelli  opened  the  window,  without  thinking  of  the 
hour,  and  went  with  the  marquis  out  upon  the  bal- 
cony. They  had  scarcely  been  in  the  air  a  couple  of 
minutes  when  the  shot  exploded  between  them,  and 
drove  them  back  into  the  house,  where  for  some  time 
they  lay  apparently  hfeless  on  the  floor.  When  they 
recovered,  each  felt  the  pain  of  a  violent  blow  upon 
the  cheek,  one  on  the  right  side,  the  other  on  the  left ; 


286  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

but,  as  no  further  injury  was  apparent,  the  singularity 
of  the  circumstance  was  merely  the  occasion  of  a  few 
jocular  observations. 

"  From  this  time  the  shot  was  not  repeated  in  the 
house;  and  Antonelli  thought  she  was  at  last  com- 
pletely dehvered  from  her  invisible  tormentor,  when 
one  evening,  upon  making  a  little  excursion  with  a 
friend,  she  was  terrified  beyond  measure  by  a  most 
unexpected  incident.  Her  way  lay  through  the  Chiaja, 
where  her  Genoese  friend  had  formerly  lived.  It  was 
bright   moonlight.     A  lady  who  sat  near  her  asked, 

'  Is  not  that  the  house  in  which  Signer died  ? ' 

'  As  well  as  I  can  recollect,  it  is  one  of  those  two,' 
answered  Antonelli.  The  words  were  scarcely  uttered 
when  the  shot  was  fired  from  one  of  the  two  houses, 
and  penetrated  the  carriage.  The  driver  thought  he 
was  wounded,  and  drove  forward  with  all  possible 
speed.  Arrived  at  their  destination,  the  two  ladies 
were  lifted  from  the  carriage,  as  though  they  were  dead. 

"  But  this  was  the  last  alarm  of  that  kind.  The 
unseen  foe  now  changed  his  plan ;  and  one  evening, 
shortly  afterward,  a  loud  clapping  of  hands  was  heard 
before  the  window.  As  a  popular  singer  and  favourite 
actress,  she  was  more  familiar  with  sounds  of  this  de- 
scription. They  did  not  inspire  terror,  and  might  have 
proceeded,  perhaps,  from  one  of  her  numerous  admirers. 
She  paid  no  attention  to  them.  Her  friends,  however, 
were  more  watchful,  and  distributed  their  guards  as 
before.  They  continued  to  hear  the  noise,  but  saw 
nobody,  and  began  to  indulge  a  hope  that  the  unac- 
countable mystery  would  soon  completely  end. 

"  After  a  short  time  it  became  changed  in  character, 
and  assumed  the  form  of  agreeable  sounds.  They 
were  not,  strictly  speaking,  melodious,  but  exceedingly 
sweet  and  pleasing.  To  an  accurate  observer  they 
seemed  to  proceed  from  the  corner  of  the  street,  to 
float  about  in  the  empty  space  before  Antonelli's  win- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  287 

dow,  and  tlicic  to  die  away  in  the  most  soft  and  de- 
lightful nuinner.  It  seemed  as  if  some  heavenly  spirit 
wished,  by  means  of  a  beautiful  prelude,  to  draw  atten- 
tion to  a  lovely  melody  which  he  designed  to  play. 
But  these  sounds  also  ceased  at  length,  and  were  heard 
no  more  after  this  wonderful  occurrence  liad  lasted  for 
about  a  year  and  a  half." 

The  clergyman  pausing  for  a  few  moments,  the  en- 
tire company  began  to  express  their  opinions,  and 
their  doubts  about  the  truth  of  the  tale. 

The  narrator  answered  that  the  story  had  to  be  true, 
if  it  were  to  be  interesting,  as  a  manufactured  tale 
could  possess  but  little  merit.  Some  one  here  observed 
that  he  thought  it  singular  no  one  had  inquired  about 
Antonelli's  deceased  friend,  or  the  circumstances  of  his 
death ;  as  perhaps  some  light  might  by  this  means 
have  been  thrown  upon  the  whole  affair. 

"  But  this  was  done,"  replied  the  clergyman  :  "  I  was 
myself  curious  enough,  immediately  after  the  first  mys- 
terious occurrence,  to  go  to  the  house  under  the  pretext 
of  visiting  the  lady  w^ho  had  attended  him  in  his  last 
moments  with  a  mother's  care.  She  informed  me 
that  the  deceased  had  been  passionately  attached 
to  Antonelli ;  that,  during  the  last  hours  of  his  exist- 
ence, he  had  spoken  of  nothing  but  her ;  that  at  one 
time  he  addressed  her  as  an  adorable  angel,  and  at 
another  as  little  better  than  a  demon. 

"  When  his  sickness  became  desperate,  his  whole 
thoughts  were  fixed  on  seeing  her  once  more  before  his 
death,  perhaps  in  the  hope  of  obtaining  from  her  an 
expression  of  affection,  of  pity,  of  attachment,  or  of 
love.  Her  unwillingness  to  see  him  afflicted  him  ex- 
ceedingly, and  her  last  decisive  refusal  hastened  his 
death.  In  despair  he  cried  out,  '  No  !  it  shall  not  avail 
her.  She  avoids  me;  but,  after  my  death,  she  shall 
have  no  rest  from  me.'  In  a  paroxysm  of  this  kind  he 
expired ;  and  only  too  late  do  we  learn,  that  the  dead 


288  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

can  keep  their  word  on  the  other  side  of  the 
gi-ave." 

The  company  began  once  more  to  express  their 
opinions  about  the  story.  At  length  Fritz  observed, "  I 
have  a  suspicion ;  but  I  shall  not  tell  it  till  I  have 
thought  over  all  the  circumstances  agaio,  and  put  my 
combinations  to  the  proof." 

Being  somewhat  strongly  pressed,  he  endeavoured 
to  avoid  giving  an  answer,  by  requesting  that  he  might 
be  allowed  to  relate  an  anecdote,  which,  though  it 
might  not  equal  the  preceding  one  in  interest,  was  of 
the  same  character,  inasmuch  as  it  could  not  be  ex- 
plained with  any  certainty. 

"  A  gallant  nobleman,"  he  commenced,  "  who  inhab- 
ited an  ancient  castle,  and  was  the  father  of  a  large 
family,  had  taken  into  his  protection  an  orphan  girl, 
who,  when  she  attained  the  age  of  fourteen  years,  was 
employed  in  attending  the  mistress  of  the  house  in 
duties  immediately  about  her  person.  She  gave  com- 
plete satisfaction,  and  her  whole  ambition  seemed  to 
consist  in  a  wish  to  evince  her  gratitude  to  her  bene- 
factor by  attention  and  fidelity.  She  possessed  various 
charms,  both  of  mind  and  person,  and  was  not  with- 
out suitors.  But  none  of  these  proposals  seemed 
likely  to  conduce  to  her  happiness,  and  the  girl  herself 
did  not  show  the  least  inclination  to  change  her  con- 
dition. 

"  On  a  sudden  it  happened,  that  as  she  went  through 
the  house,  intent  upon  her  various  duties,  she  heard 
sounds  of  knocking,  which  came  from  about  and 
beneath  her.  At  first  this  seemed  accidental ;  but  as 
the  knocking  never  ceased,  and  beat  almost  in  unison 
with  her  footsteps,  she  became  alarmed,  and  scarcely 
left  the  room  of  her  mistress,  where  alone  she  found 
she  could  enjoy  security. 

"  These  sounds  were  heard  by  every  one  who  accom- 
panied her  or  who  stood  near  her.     At  first  the  sub- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  289 

ject  was  treated  as  a  jest,  but  at  length  it  was  regarded 
in  a  more  serious  liglit.  The  master  of  the  house,  who 
was  of  a  cheerful  disposition,  now  took  the  matter  in 
hand.  The  knocking  was  never  heard  when  the 
maiden  remained  motionless,  and,  when  she  walked, 
was  perceived,  not  so  evidently  when  she  put  her  foot 
to  the  ground  as  when  she  raised  it  to  advance  another 
step.  But  the  sounds  were  often  in-egular,  and  they 
were  observed  to  be  more  than  usually  loud  when  the 
maiden  went  transversely  across  a  certain  large  apart- 
ment in  the  castle. 

"  The  old  nobleman,  one  day  having  workmen  in  tlie 
house,  caused  the  flooring  to  be  suddenly  raised  behind 
the  maiden,  when  the  knocking  sounds  were  at  the 
loudest.  Nothing,  however,  was  found  but  a  couple  of 
rats,  who,  disturbed  by  the  search,  gave  occasion  to  a 
chase,  and  to  considerable  uproar  in  the  house. 

"  Provoked  by  this  circumstance  and  by  the  disap- 
pointment, the  nobleman  determined  upon  adopting 
strong  measures.  He  took  down  his  large  whip  from 
the  wall,  and  swore  that  he  would  flog  the  maiden  to 
death  if  he  heard  the  knocking  any  more.  From  this 
time  forth  she  could  go  through  the  house  without  the 
slightest  molestation,  and  the  knocking  was  never 
heard  again." 

"  Wliereb} ,"  observed  Louisa  sagaciously,  "  we  may 
conclude  t'^at  the  young  maiden  was  her  own  ghost, 
and  practised  this  joke,  and  played  the  fool  with  the 
family,  to  indulge  some  whim  of  her  own." 

"  Not  at  all,"  answered  Fritz ;  "  for  those  who  as- 
cribed the  mysterious  occurrence  to  a  ghost,  beheved 
that  the  maiden's  guardian  angel  wished  her  to  leave 
the  house,  but  was  anxious  also  to  protect  her  from 
injury.  Others  took  another  view,  and  maintained 
that  one  of  the  girl's  lovers  had  the  cleverness  to  occa- 
sion these  sounds  in  order  to  drive  her  out  of  the  house 
into  his  arms.     But,  be  this  as  it  may,  the  poor  child 


290  THE    RECREATIONS   OF 

became  quite  ill  in  consequence,  and  was  reduced 
to  a  melancholy  spectre ;  though  she  had  formerly- 
been  the  most  cheerful  and  lively  and  merry  person  in 
the  whole  establishment.  But  such  a  change  in  per- 
sonal appearance  can  be  explained  in  more  ways  than 
one. 

"  It  is  a  pity,"  observed  Fritz,  "  that  these  occur- 
rences are  not  always  more  particularly  examined,  and 
that,  in  judging  of  events  which  so  much  interest  us, 
we  are  obliged  to  hesitate  between  different  appear- 
ances, because  the  circumstances  under  which  they 
happen  have  not  all  been  observed." 

"  True,"  replied  the  old  clergyman ;  "  but  it  is  so  ex- 
tremely difficult  to  make  this  examination  at  the  very 
moment  when  anything  of  the  kind  happens,  and  to 
take  every  precaution  that  nothing  shall  escape  in 
which  deceit  or  fraud  may  be  concealed.  Can  we,  for 
example,  detect  a  conjurer  so  easily,  though  we  are 
perfectly  conscious  that  he  is  deluding  us  ?  " 

He  had  scarcely  finished  this  observation,  when  a 
loud  report  was  suddenly  heard  in  one  corner  of  the 
apartment.  Every  one  leaped  up ;  whilst  Charles  said 
jokingly,  "  Surely  the  noise  does  not  proceed  from  some 
dying  lover." 

He  would  willingly  have  recalled  the  expression  ; 
for  Louisa  became  suddenly  pale,  and  stammered  forth 
that  she  felt  apprehension  about  the  safety  of  her 
intended. 

Fritz,  to  divert  her  attention,  took  up  the  light,  and 
went  toward  a  reading-desk  which  stood  in  a  corner  of 
the  apartment.  The  semicircular  top  of  the  desk  was 
split  through ;  this,  then,  was  the  cause  of  the  report 
they  had  heard :  but  it  immediately  occurred  to  them, 
that  the  reading-desk  was  of  the  best  workmanship, 
and  had  occupied  the  very  same  spot  for  years ;  and 
therefore  they  were  all  astonished  that  it  should  be  so 
suddenly    .split    asunder.     It   had    even    been    praised 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  291 

more  than  once  as  a  very  model  piece  of  furniture; 
and  how,  therefore,  could  this  accident  have  occurred, 
without  even  the  slightest  change  having  taken  place 
in  the  temperature  ? 

"  Quick ! "  said  Charles,  "  let  us  settle  this  point  at 
once  by  examining  the  barometer."  The  quicksilver 
maintained  the  same  point  it  had  held  for  some  days. 
And  even  the  thermometer  had  not  fallen  more  than 
could  be  reconciled  with  the  difference  of  the  tempera- 
ture between  day  and  night !  "  It  is  a  pity  that  we 
have  not  an  hygrometer  at  hand,"  he  exclaimed,  "  the 
very  instrument  that  would  be  most  serviceable ! " 

"  It  seems,"  said  the  old  clergyman,  "  that  the  most 
valuable  instrument  always  fails  when  we  are  engaged 
in  supernatural  inquiries."  They  were  interrupted  in 
their  reflections  by  the  entry  of  a  servant,  who 
announced  that  a  gi-eat  fire  was  visible  in  the  heavens  ; 
though  no  one  could  say  whether  it  were  raging  in  the 
town  or  in  the  neighbourhood. 

The  circumstances  we  have  just  related  made  the 
whole  party  more  susceptible  of  terror,  and  they  were 
therefore  much  agitated  by  the  news.  Fritz  hastened 
up  to  the  belvedere  of  the  house,  where  a  map  of  the 
adjacent  country  was  suspended,  by  means  of  which  he 
was  enabled,  even  at  night,  to  point  out  w^th  tolerable 
accuracy  the  various  positions  of  the  surrounding 
places.  The  rest  of  the  party  remained  together,  not 
wdthout  some  fear  and  anxiety. 

Fritz  announced,  upon  his  return,  that  he  had  no 
good  news  to  tell.  "  The  fire  does  not  seem  to  be  in 
the  town,  but  upon  the  property  of  our  aunt.  I  am 
weU  acquainted,"  said  he,  "with  the  locality,  and 
believe  I  am  not  mistaken."  Each  one  lamented  the 
destruction  of  the  fine  building,  and  calculated  the  loss. 
"A  strange  thought  has  just  occurred  to  me,"  said 
Fritz,  "  which  may  quiet  our  minds  as  to  the  mystery 
of  the  reading-desk.     Consider  how  long  it  is  since  we 


292  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

heard  the  report."  They  counted  the  minutes,  and 
thought  it  had  occurred  about  half-past  twelve. 

"  Now,  you  will  probably  laugh,"  continued  Fritz, 
"  when  I  tell  you  my  conjecture.  You  know  that  our 
mother,  a  good  many  years  ago,  made  our  aunt  a  pres- 
ent of  a  reading-desk,  in  every  respect  similar  to  tliis 
one.  They  were  both  finished  with  the  greatest  care, 
by  the  same  workman,  at  the  same  time,  and  cut  out 
of  one  piece  of  wood.  Both  have  lasted  well  until 
now ;  and  I  will  lay  a  wager,  that,  at  this  very  instant, 
the  second  reading-desk  is  actually  burning  at  the 
house  of  my  aunt ;  and  its  twin  brother  here  is  afflicted 
at  the  disaster.  To-morrow  I  will  set  out  and  in- 
vestigate this  singular  fact  as  thoroughly  as  I  am 
able." 

Whether  Frederick  really  entertained  the  above 
opinion,  or  whether  his  wish  to  tranquillise  his  sister 
suggested  the  idea,  we  are  unable  to  decide :  they, 
however,  seized  the  opportunity  to  speak  of  many 
undeniable  sympathies,  and  ended  by  discovering  that 
a  sympathy  actually  existed  between  pieces  of  timber 
formed  from  one  tree,  and  pronounced  it  probable  that 
the  same  sympathy  subsisted  between  pieces  of  work 
completed  by  the  same  hand.  They  agi-eed  that  these 
things  resembled  natural  phenomena  fully  as  much  as 
other  things  which  were  often  adduced,  and  which, 
although  quite  evident,  are  incapable  of  explanation. 
"  And,  in  my  opinion,"  added  Charles,  "  every  phenom- 
enon, as  well  as  every  fact,  is  pecuharly  interesting  for 
its  own  sake.  Whoever  explains  it,  or  connects  it 
with  other  circumstances,  only  makes  a  jest  of  it,  or 
deludes  us :  this  is  done,  for  example,  by  the  natural 
philosopher  and  the  historian.  But  an  unconnected 
fact  or  event  is  interesting,  not  because  it  is  expUcable 
or  probable,  but  because  it  is  true.  When  at  midnight 
the  flames  consumed  your  aunt's  reading-desk,  the 
extraordinary  splitting  of  ours,  at  the  very  same  time. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  293 

was  a  palpable  fact,  however  explicable  or  connected 
with  other  tlungs  it  may  be." 

Though  night  was  by  this  time  far  advanced,  none 
of  the  company  felt  any  inclination  to  retire;  and 
Charles,  in  his  turn,  asked  permission  to  tell  a  story, 
which,  though  equally  interesting,  might  seem  per- 
haps more  natural  and  exjilicable  than  the  previous 
ones.  "  Marshal  Bassompierre,"  he  said,  "  relates  it  in 
his  memoirs ;  and  I  may  be  permitted  to  tell  it  in  his 
name. 

"  I  had  remarked  for  five  or  six  montlis,  that,  when- 
ever I  crossed  the  little  bridge  (for  at  that  time  the 
Pont  Neuf  had  not  been  built),  a  very  handsome 
shopkeeper,  over  the  door  of  whose  establishment  was 
painted  the  sign  of  '  The  Two  Angels,'  always  saluted 
me  with  a  low  and  respectful  bow,  and  followed  me 
with  her  eyes  as  far  as  she  could  see  me.  This  con- 
duct surprised  me  extremely ;  but  I  always  directed 
my  looks  to  her,  and  saluted  her  in  return.  I  rode  on 
one  occasion  from  Foutainebleau  to  Paris ;  and,  when 
I  had  arrived  at  the  little  bridge,  she  appeared  at  the 
door  of  her  shop  and  said,  '  Your  servant,  sir ! '  I 
returned  the  salute :  and,  as  I  looked  back  from  time 
to  time,  I  observed  that  she  was,  as  usual,  leaning 
forward,  to  keep  me  in  view  as  long  as  possible. 

"My  servant  was  following  with  a  postilion,  as  I 
wished  to  send  some  letters  back  to  some  ladies  in 
Foutainebleau  the  same  day.  I  ordered  the  servant 
to  alight,  to  go  to  the  pretty  shopkeeper,  and  to  tell 
her  from  me,  that  I  had  noticed  her  wish  to  speak  to 
me,  and  that,  if  she  desired  my  acquaintance,  I  would 
visit  her  whenever  she  wished.  She  answered  that  I 
could  have  sent  her  no  more  deliglitful  news,  that  she 
would  meet  me  whenever  I  should  appoint,  on  condi- 
tion that  she  might  be  allowed  to  pass  a  night  under 
the  same  roof  with  me.  I  accepted  the  proposal,  and 
asked  the  servant  to  find  a  place  where  I  might  ap- 


294  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

point  an  assignation.  He  said  he  would  lead  me  to 
a  friend's  house,  but  advised  me,  as  fever  was  then 
very  prevalent,  to  provide  myself  with  my  own  house- 
linen.  Wlien  evening  came,  I  went  to  the  appointed 
house,  where  I  found  a  very  beautiful  young  woman 
awaiting  my  arrival.  She  was  attired  in  a  charming 
head-dress,  and  wore  the  finest  linens.  Her  tiny  feet 
were  adorned  with  shppers,  worked  in  gold  and  silk ; 
and  her  person  was  covered  with  a  loose  mantle  of  the 
softest  satin  texture.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  I  never 
saw  a  more  charming  person.  In  the  morning  I  asked 
when  I  could  see  her  again ;  as  it  was  then  Thursday 
night,  and  it  was  not  my  intention  to  leave  the  town 
before  the  following  Sunday. 

"  She  replied  that  she  was  more  anxious  for  a  fresh 
appointment  than  I  could  be,  but  that  it  would  be 
impracticable  unless  I  could  postpone  my  departure  ; 
as  I  could  only  see  her  on  Sunday  night.  To  this  I 
made  some  difficulty,  which  caused  her  to  complain 
that  I  was  tired  of  her,  and  therefore  wished  to  set  out 
on  Sunday ;  '  but,'  .she  added,  '  you  will  soon  think  of 
me  again,  and  will  be  glad  to  forfeit  a  day  in  order 
to  pass  a  night  with  me.' 

"  I  was  easily  persuaded.  I  promised  to  stay  during 
Sunday,  and  to  meet  her  in  the  evening  at  the  same 
place.  She  answered  me  as  follows :  '  I  am  quite 
aware,  that  on  your  account  I  have  come  to  a  house 
of  ill-repute ;  but  I  have  done  this  in  obedience  to  an 
irresistible  desire  to  enjoy  your  society.  But  so  great 
an  indiscretion  cannot  be  repeated.  I  shall  excite  the 
jealousy  of  my  husband,  though  one  might  risk  even 
that  for  the  satisfaction  of  an  irresistible  passion.  For 
your  sake  I  have  come  to  this  house,  which  has  been 
made  respectable  by  your  presence.  But,  if  you  desire 
to  see  me  again,  you  must  meet  me  at  the  residence  of 
my  aunt.' 

"  She  described  the  house  with  great  particularity. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  295 

and  then  added,  '  I  sliall  exp(3ct  you  at  ten  o'clock. 
From  that  time  till  midnight  the  door  shall  be  open. 
You  will  find  a  small  entrance,  tlirough  which  you 
must  advance;  as  my  aunt's  door  is  at  the  farther  end. 
You  will  tlien  see  a  flight  of  stairs  opposite  to  you. 
They  lead  to  the  first  fioor,  and  there  I  shall  be  expect- 
ing you  with  open  arms.' 

"  I  made  all  my  arrangements.  I  sent  away  my 
things,  dismissed  my  servants,  and  waited  impatiently 
the  arrival  of  Sunday  night,  when  I  was  to  see  my 
charming  companion  once  more.  At  ten  o'clock  I  was 
at  the  appointed  place.  I  found  the  door  she  had 
described,  close  shut,  and  observed  hghts  in  the  house, 
which  seemed  every  now  and  then  to  blaze  up  into  a 
flame.  I  knocked  impatiently  in  order  to  announce 
my  arrival,  and  was  immediately  saluted  by  the  hoarse 
voice  of  a  man  inquiring  what  I  wanted.  I  retired 
disappointed,  and  paced  restlessly  up  and  down  the 
street.  At  length  I  returned  to  the  house,  and  found 
the  door  then  wide  open.  I  hurried  through  the  pas- 
sage, and  ascended  the  stairs.  Judge  of  my  astonish- 
ment at  finding  the  room  occupied  by  two  men,  who 
were  employed  in  burning  a  mattress  and  some  bed- 
clothes ;  wliile  I  saw  before  me  two  naked  corpses 
stretched  upon  the  floor.  I  hastened  away  instantly, 
and,  in  rushing  down  stairs,  knocked  against  two  men 
carrying  a  coffin,  who  asked  me  angrily  what  I  wanted. 
I  drew  my  sword  to  protect  myself,  and  finally  reached 
my  home  in  a  state  of  the  greatest  excitement.  I 
swallowed  half  a  dozen  glasses  of  wine,  as  a  preserva- 
tive against  the  fever,  and  on  the  following  day  con- 
tinued my  journey. 

"  All  the  inquiries  I  afterward  instituted  to  discover 
who  this  woman  was  were  in  vain.  I  even  visited  the 
shop  where  'The  Two  Angels'  were  painted,  but  the 
newcomers  could  not  inform  who  their  predecessors 
had  been.     The  chief  character  in  this  adventure  was 


296  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

doubtless  a  person  from  the  lower  orders ;  but  I  can 
assure  you,  that,  but  for  the  disagi-eeable  finale,  it 
would  have  proved  one  of  the  most  dehghtful  inci- 
dents that  has  ever  happened  to  me,  and  that  I  never 
think  of  my  charming  heroine  without  feelings  of  the 
warmest  affection." 

Charles  observed,  upon  the  conclusion  of  the  anec- 
dote, that  the  mystery  which  enveloped  the  story  was 
not  easily  explained.  The  woman  might  either  have 
died  of  the  fever,  or  have  kept  away  from  the  house 
on  account  of  the  infection. 

"  But,  if  she  were  alive,"  answered  Charles,  "  she 
would  have  met  her  lover  in  the  street ;  as  no  fear 
could,  under  the  circumstances,  have  kept  her  from 
him.  I  fear,"  he  added,  "  that  her  corpse  was  stretched 
on  the  floor." 

"  Oh !  no  more  of  this,"  said  Louisa  :  "  this  story  is 
too  frightful.  What  a  night  we  shall  pass,  if  we  retire 
with  our  imaginations  full  of  these  pictures  ! " 

"  I  recollect  an  anecdote,"  interrupted  Charles, 
"  which  is  of  a  more  cheerful  description,  and  which 
the  same  Bassompierre  relates  of  some  of  his  ancestors. 

"A  very  beautiful  woman,  who  loved  one  of  her 
relations  passionately,  visited  him  every  Monday  at  his 
country-house,  where  they  spent  much  time  together ; 
his  wife  believing  in  the  meanwhile  that  her  husband 
was  engaged  on  a  hunting-party.  Two  years  uninter- 
ruptedly had  passed  in  tliis  way,  when,  the  wife's  sus- 
picions being  roused,  she  stole  one  morning  to  the 
country-house,  and  found  her  husband  asleep  with  his 
companion.  Being  unwilling  or  afraid  to  disturb  them, 
she  untied  her  veU,  threw  it  over  the  feet  of  the  sleep- 
ing couple,  and  retired.  When  the  lady  awoke,  and 
observed  the  veil,  she  uttered  a  piercing  cry,  and  with 
loud  lamentations  complained  that  she  would  now 
never  be  able  to  see  her  lover  again.  She  then  took 
leave  of  him,  having  first  given  him  three  presents,  — 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  297 

a  small  fruit-basket,  a  ring,  and  a  goblet,  being  a 
present  for  each  of  his  three  daughters,  and  desired 
him  to  take  great  care  of  them.  They  were  accepted 
with  thanks,  and  the  children  of  these  three  daughters 
believe  that  they  aie  indebted  to  their  respective  gifts 
for  whatever  good  fortune  has  attended  them." 

"  This  somewhat  resembles  the  story  of  the  beau- 
tiful Melusina,  and  such-hke  fairy-tales,"  observed 
Louisa. 

"  l>ut  there  is  just  such  a  tradition  in  our  family," 
said  Frederick,  "  and  we  have  possession  of  a  similar 
tahsman." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ? "  asked  Charles. 

"  That  is  a  secret,"  replied  the  former.  "  It  can  be 
told  to  no  one  but  the  eldest  son,  and  that  during  the 
lifetime  of  his  father;  and  he  is  then  to  hold  the 
charm." 

"  Are  you  the  present  possessor  ? "  inquired  Louisa. 

"  I  have  told  too  much  already,"  answered  Frederick, 
as  he  lighted  his  candle,  previous  to  retiring. 

The  family  had  assembled  for  breakfast  according  to 
their  usual  custom,  and  the  baroness  afterward  took 
her  seat  at  her  embroidery-frame.  After  a  short 
silence  the  clergyman  observed,  with  a  shght  smile, 
"  It  is  seldom  indeed  that  singers,  poets,  or  story-tellers, 
who  enter  into  an  agi-eement  to  amuse  a  company,  do 
it  at  the  right  time :  they  often  require  pressing,  when 
they  should  begin  voluntarily ;  whilst,  on  the  other 
hand,  they  are  frequently  eager  and  urgent  to  com- 
mence at  a  time  when  the  entertainment  could  be 
dispensed  with.  I  hope,  however,  to  prove  an  excep- 
tion to  tliis  custom ;  and  I  shall  be  glad  to  know 
whether  it  will  prove  agi-eeable  to  you  that  I  should 
relate  a  story." 

"  Particularly  so,"  answered  the  baroness ;  "  and  I 
feel  sure  that  I  express  the  general  opinion.  But,  if  it 
is  your  intention  to  relate  an  anecdote  as  a  specimen,  I 


298  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

will  tell  you  for  what  sort  of  story  I  have  no  incli- 
natiou. 

"  I  take  no  pleasure  in  stories  which,  like  the 
Arabian  Nights,  connect  one  tale  with  another,  and 
so  confound  the  interest  of  both ;  where  the  narrator 
finds  liimself  compelled  to  excite  our  attention  by 
interruptions,  and,  instead  of  satisfying  us  by  detailing 
a  course  of  consecutive  adventures,  seeks  to  attract  us 
by  rare  and  often  unworthy  artifices.  I  cannot  but 
censure  the  attempt  of  converting  stories,  which  should 
possess  the  unity  of  a  poem,  into  unmeaning  puzzles, 
which  only  have  the  effect  of  vitiating  our  taste. 
I  leave  you  to  choose  your  own  subjects ;  but  I  hope 
you  will  pay  a  little  attention  to  the  style,  since 
it  must  be  remembered  that  we  are  members  of  good 
society.  Commence  with  some  narrative  in  which  but 
few  persons  are  concerned  or  few  events  described,  in 
which  the  plot  is  good  and  natural,  though  possessing 
as  much  action  and  contrivance  as  is  necessary,  which 
shall  not  prove  dull,  nor.be  confined  to  one  spot,  but  in 
which  the  action  shall  not  progress  too  rapidly.  Let 
your  characters  be  pleasing,  and,  if  not  perfect,  at  least 
good,  —  not  extravagant,  but  interesting  and  amiable. 
Let  your  story  be  amusing  in  the  narration,  in  order 
that,  when  concluded,  we  may  remember  it  with 
pleasure." 

"  If  I  were  not  well  acquainted  with  you,  gracious 
lady,"  said  the  clergyman, "  I  should  be  of  opinion  that 
it  is  your  wish,  by  thus  explaining  how  much  you 
require  of  me,  to  bring  my  wares  into  disrepute  before 
I  have  exposed  them  for  sale.  I  see  how  difficult 
it  will  be  to  reach  your  standard  of  excellence.  Even 
now,"  he  continued,  after  a  short  pause,  "  you  compel 
me  to  postpone  the  tale  I  had  intended  to  relate 
till  another  time ;  and  I  fear  I  shall  commit  a  mistake 
in  extemporising  an  anecdote  for  wliich  I  have  always 
felt  some  partiahty : 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  299 

"In  a  seacoast  town  in  Italy  once  lived  a  merchant, 
who  from  his  youth  had  been  distinj^uished  for  activity 
and  industry.  He  was,  in  additi(jn,  a  first-rate  sailor, 
and  had  amassed  considerable  wealth  by  trading  to 
Alexandria,  where  he  was  accustomed  to  purchase  or 
exchange  merchandise,  which  he  afterward  either 
brought  home  or  forwarded  to  the  northern  parts  of 
Europe.  His  fortune  increased  from  year  to  year. 
Business  was  his  greatest  pleasure,  and  he  found  no 
time  for  the  indulgence  of  extravagant  dissipation. 

"His  life  was  employed  in  active  pursuits  of  this 
nature  till  he  was  fifty  years  old ;  and  he  had  been, 
during  all  this  time,  a  total  stranger  to  those  social 
pleasures  with  which  luxurious  citizens  are  accustomed 
to  diversify  their  lives.  Even  the  charms  of  the  fair 
sex  had  never  excited  his  attention,  notwithstanding 
the  attractions  of  liis  countrywomen.  His  knowledge 
of  them  was  confined  to  their  love  for  ornaments 
and  jewelry,  a  taste  of  which  he  never  failed  to  take 
proper  advantage. 

"  He  was  surprised,  therefore,  at  the  change  which 
took  place  in  his  disposition,  when,  after  a  long  voyage, 
his  richly  laden  ship  entered  the  port  of  his  native 
town,  upon  the  occurrence  of  a  great  festival  in  which 
the  children  of  the  place  took  a  prominent  part.  The 
youths  and  maidens  had  attended  the  church  in  their 
gayest  attire,  and  had  joined  in  the  sacred  processions. 
They  afterwartl  mingled  through  the  town  in  separate 
companies,  or  dispersed  through  the  country  in  search 
of  amusements ;  or  they  assembled  in  the  large  square, 
engaging  in  various  active  pursuits,  and  exhibiting  feats 
of  skill  and  dexterity,  for  which  small  prizes  were 
bestowed. 

"The  merchant  was  much  pleased  with  all  he  saw. 
But  after  he  had  for  some  time  observed  the  happiness 
of  the  children,  and  the  delight  of  their  parents,  and 
witnessed  so  many  persons  in  the  full  enjoyment  of 


300  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

present  bliss  and  the  indulgence  of  the  fondest  hopes, 
he  could  not  help  reflecting  upon  the  wretchedness  of 
his  own  condition.  His  own  solitary  home  began  for 
the  first  time  to  be  to  him  a  cause  of  distress,  and  he 
thus  gave  vent  to  his  melancholy  thoughts : 

" '  Unhappy  being  that  I  am !  Why  are  my  eyes 
opened  so  late  ?  Why,  in  my  old  age,  do  I  first 
become  acquainted  \vith  those  blessings  which  alone 
can  ensure  the  happiness  of  mankind  ?  What  toil 
have  I  endured !  Wliat  labours  I  have  borne !  And 
what  have  they  done  for  me  ?  'Tis  true  my  cellars 
are  filled  with  merchandise,  my  chests  with  valuable 
metals,  and  my  caskets  with  jewelry  and  precious 
stones ;  but  these  treasures  can  neither  console  nor 
satisfy  my  heart.  The  more  I  have  the  more  I  want : 
one  coin  requires  another,  and  one  diamond  wishes  for 
its  fellow.  I  am  not  the  master  of  my  riches :  they 
command  me  in  imperious  tone.  "  Go  and  get  more  ! " 
they  exclaim.  Gold  delights  in  gold,  and  jewels  in 
their  fellows.  They  have  ruled  me  all  my  life ;  and 
now  I  find,  too  late,  that  they  possess  no  real  value. 
Now,  when  age  approaches,  I  begin  for  the  first  time 
to  reflect,  and  to  complain  that  I  enjoy  none  of  the 
treasures  I  possess,  and  that  no  one  will  enjoy  them 
after  me.  Have  I  ever  used  them  to  adorn  the  person 
of  a  beloved  wife,  to  provide  a  marriage-portion  for  a 
daughter  ?  Have  I  ever  by  their  means  enabled  a  son 
to  win  and  to  dower  the  maiden  of  Ms  heart  ?  Never ! 
None  of  these  treasures  have  ever  enriched  me  or 
mine ;  and  what  I  have  collected  with  so  much  toil 
some  stranger,  after  my  death,  will  thoughtlessly 
dissipate. 

" '  Oh  !  with  what  different  feelings  will  those  happy 
parents  whom  I  see  around  me  assemble  their  children 
this  evening,  praise  their  address,  and  encourage  them 
to  virtue !  What  joy  have  I  beheld  beaming  from 
their  eyes,  and  what  hopes  from  the  happiness  of  their 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  301 

beloved  offspring !  iVud  must  I  ever  be  a  stranger  to 
hope  ?  Am  I  grown  gray  ?  Is  it  not  enough  to  see 
my  error  before  the  final  evening  of  my  days  airives  ? 
No  :  in  my  ripe  years  it  is  not  foolish  to  dream  of  love. 
I  will  enrich  a  fair  maiden  with  my  wealth,  and  make 
her  happy.  And,  should  my  house  ever  become  Ijlessed 
with  children,  those  late  fruits  will  render  me  happy, 
instead  of  proving  a  plague  and  a  torment;  as  they 
often  do  to  those  who  too  early  receive  such  gifts  from 
Heaven.' 

"  Tims  communing  with  himself  he  .silently  formed 
his  determination.  He  then  called  two  of  his  intimate 
companions,  and  opened  his  mind  to  them.  They  were 
ever  ready  to  aid  him  in  all  emergencies,  and  were  not 
wanting  upon  the  present  occasion.  They  hastened, 
therefore,  into  the  town,  to  make  inquiries  after  the 
fairest  and  most  beautiful  maidens ;  for  they  knew 
their  master  was  a  man  who,  whatever  goods  he  might 
wish  to  acquire,  would  never  be  satisfied  with  any  but 
the  best.  He  was  himself  active,  went  about,  inquired, 
saw,  and  listened,  and  soon  found  what  he  sought  in 
the  person  of  a  young  maiden  about  sixteen  years  of 
age,  accomplished  and  well  educated.  Her  person  and 
disposition  pleased  him,  and  gave  him  every  hope  of 
happiness.  In  fact,  at  this  time  no  maiden  in  the 
whole  town  was  more  admired  for  her  beauty. 

"  After  a  short  delay,  during  which  the  most  perfect 
independence  of  his  intended  bride,  not  only  during  liis 
own  life,  but  after  liis  decease,  was  secured,  the  nuptial 
ceremony  was  performed  with  gi-eat  pomp  and  tri- 
umph ;  and  from  that  day  the  merchant  felt  himself, 
for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  in  actual  possession  and 
enjoyment  of  his  riches.  His  rarest  and  most  costly 
silks  were  devoted  to  the  adornment  of  his  bride,  and 
his  diamonds  gleamed  more  brilliantly  upon  the  neck 
and  amid  the  tresses  of  his  love  than  they  had  ever 
shone  in  his  caskets ;  and  his  rings  acquired  an  inex- 


302  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

pressible  value  from  the  beauty  of  the  hand  by  which 
they  were  adorned.  And  thus  he  felt  that  he  was  not 
only  as  wealthy  as  before,  but  even  wealthier ;  and  all 
he  possessed  acquired  a  new  value  from  being  shared 
with  her  he  loved.  The  happy  couple  spent  a  year 
together  in  the  most  perfect  contentment,  and  he 
seemed  to  experience  a  real  joy  in  having  exchanged 
his  active  and  wandering  course  of  life,  for  the  calm 
content  of  domestic  bliss.  But  he  could  not  so  easily 
divest  himself  of  his  nature,  and  found  that  a  habit 
acquired  in  early  youth,  though  it  may  for  a  time 
be  interrupted,  can  never  be  completely  laid  aside. 

"  After  some  time  the  sight  of  some  of  his  old  com- 
panions, when  they  had  safely  brought  their  ships  into 
harbour  after  a  long  and  perilous  voyage,  excited  anew 
the  love  of  his  former  pursuits ;  and  he  began  now, 
even  in  the  company  of  liis  bride,  to  experience  sen- 
sations of  restlessness  and  discontent.  These  feelings 
increased  daily,  and  were  gradually  converted  into  so 
intense  a  longing  for  his  old  course  of  life,  that  at 
last  he  became  positively  miserable ;  and  a  serious 
illness  was  the  result. 

" '  What  will  now  become  of  me  ? '  he  asked  himself. 
'  I  learn  too  late  the  folly  of  entering  in  old  age  upon 
a  new  system  of  life.  How  can  we  separate  ourselves 
from  our  thoughts  and  our  habits  ?  Wliat  have  I  done  ? 
Once  I  possessed  the  perfect  freedom  which  a  bird 
enjoys  in  open  air,  and  now  I  am  imprisoned  in  a 
dwelling  with  all  my  wealth  and  jewels  and  my 
beauteous  wife.  I  thought  thus  to  win  contentment 
and  enjoy  my  riches,  but  I  feel  that  I  lose  everything 
so  long  as  I  cannot  increase  my  stores.  Unjustly  are 
men  considered  fools  who  add  to  their  wealth  by 
ceaseless  activity,  for  activity  itself  is  happiness ;  and 
riches  themselves  are  valueless  in  comparison  with  the 
delight  of  the  toil  by  which  they  are  acquired.  I  am 
wretched  from  idleness,  sick  from  inactivity ;  and,  if  I 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  303 

do  not  determine  upon  some  other  course,  I  may  soon 
bid  farewell  to  life. 

"'T  know,  however,  how  much  T  risk  in  separating 
from  a  young  and  lovely  wife.  I  know  how  unjust  it 
is  to  win  the  affections  of  a  charming  maiden,  and,  after 
a  brief  possession,  to  abandon  her  to  the  wearisome 
society  of  her  own  desires  and  emotions.  I  know,  even 
now,  how  many  vain  and  frivolous  youths  display  their 
conceited  persons  before  my  windows.  I  know  that  in 
church,  and  in  the  public  promenades,  they  seek  to 
attract  the  notice  and  engage  the  attention  of  my  wife. 
What  may  not  take  place,  then,  if  I  absent  myself  ? 
Can  I  hope  for  the  intervention  of  some  miracle  to 
save  her  from  her  almost  inevitable  fate  ?  It  were 
vain  to  expect  that  at  her  age  and  with  her  warm 
affections  she  can  withstand  the  seductions  of  love. 
If  I  depart,  I  know  that  upon  my  return  I  shall  have 
lost  the  attachment  of  my  wife,  and  that  she  will 
have  forfeited  her  fidelity,  and  tarnished  the  honour  of 
my  house.' 

"  These  reflections  and  doubts,  to  which  he  for  some 
time  had  become  a  prey,  embittered  his  condition  ten- 
fold. His  wife,  no  less  than  his  relations  and  friends, 
sympathised  deeply  with  him,  without  being  able  to 
comprehend  the  cause  of  liis  illness.  At  length  he 
sought  relief  from  liis  own  thoughts,  and  thus  com- 
muned with  himself :  '  Fool !  to  distress  myself  so 
much  about  the  protection  of  a  wife  whom,  if  my  ill- 
ness continues,  I  must  leave  beliind  me  for  the  enjoy- 
ment of  another.  Is  it  not  better  to  preserve  my  life, 
even  though  in  the  effort  I  risk  the  loss  of  the  greatest 
treasure  a  woman  can  possess  ?  How  many  find  their 
very  presence  ineffectual  to  preserve  this  treasure,  and 
patiently  endure  a  privation  they  cannot  prevent !  Why 
cannot  you  summon  up  courage  to  be  independent  of 
so  precarious  a  blessing,  since  upon  this  resolution  your 
very  existence  depends  ? ' 


304  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

"He  felt  invigorated  by  these  thoughts,  and  forth- 
with summoned  together  Ms  former  crew.  He  in- 
structed them  to  charter  a  vessel  without  delay,  to 
load  it,  and  hold  themselves  ready  to  set  sail  with  the 
first  favourable  wind.  He  then  unburdened  himself  to 
his  ^\^.f e  in  the  following  terms : 

" '  Be  not  astonished  at  any  commotion  you  may 
shortly  observe  in  our  house,  but  conclude  thence  that 
I  am  making  preparations  for  a  journey.  Be  not  over- 
come with  grief  when  I  inform  you  that  I  am  once  more 
bent  upon  a  sea-voyage.  The  love  I  bear  you  is  still 
unchanged,  and  will  doubtless  remain  so  during  my 
hie.  I  am  sensible  of  the  bhss  I  have  enjoyed  in  your 
society,  and  should  feel  it  still  more  powerfully,  but  for 
the  silent  censures  of  idleness  and  inactivity  with  which 
my  conscience  reproves  me.  My  old  disposition  returns, 
and  my  former  habits  are  still  ahve.  Let  me  once 
more  visit  the  markets  of  Alexandria,  to  which  I  shall 
repair  with  the  greater  joy,  because  I  can  there  procure 
for  you  the  richest  merchandise  and  most  valuable 
treasures.  I  leave  you  in  possession  of  all  my  for- 
tune and  of  all  my  goods :  make  use  of  them  without 
restraint,  and  enjoy  yourself  in  the  company  of  your 
relatives  and  friends.  The  period  of  our  separation  will 
pass  by,  and  we  shall  meet  again  with  joy.' 

"  Dissolved  in  tears,  his  loving  wife  assured  Mm,  with 
the  most  tender  endearments,  that  during  his  absence 
she  would  never  be  able  to  enjoy  one  happy  moment, 
and  entreated  Mm,  since  she  wished  neither  to  control 
nor  to  detain  him,  that  she  might,  at  least,  share  Ms 
affectionate  thoughts  during  the  sad  time  of  their 
separation. 

"  He  then  gave  some  general  directions  on  business 
and  household  matters,  and  added,  after  a  short  pause, 
'  I  have  something  to  say,  which  lies  hke  a  burden 
upon  my  heart ;  and  you  must  permit  me  to  utter  it : 
I  only  implore  you  earnestly  not  to  misinterpret  my 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  305 

meaning,  but  in  my  anxiety  fur  you  to  discern  my 
love.' 

" '  I  can  guess  your  thoughts,'  interrupted  his  wife : 
'  you  are  suspicious  of  me,  I  know ;  and,  after  the  fash- 
ion of  men,  you  always  rail  at  the  universal  weakn(;ss 
of  our  sex.  1  am,  it  is  true,  young,  and  of  a  cheerful 
disposition ;  and  you  fear  lest,  in  your  absence,  I  be 
found  inconstant  and  unfaithful.  I  do  not  find  fault 
with  your  suspicions ;  it  is  the  habit  of  your  sex :  but 
if  I  know  my  own  heart,  I  may  assure  you  that  I  am 
not  so  susceptible  of  impressions  as  to  be  induced 
lightly  to  stray  from  the  paths  of  love  and  duty, 
through  wliich  I  have  hitherto  journeyed.  Fear  not : 
you  shall  find  your  wife  as  true  and  faithful  on  your 
return  as  you  have  ever  found  her  liitherto,  when  you 
have  come  to  her  arms  at  evening  after  a  short  absence.' 

" '  I  believe  the  truth  of  the  sentiments  you  utter,' 
added  the  husband,  '  and  I  beseech  you  to  be  constant 
to  them.  But  let  us  conceive  the  possibility  of  the 
worst.  Why  should  we  shrink  from  it  ?  You  know 
yourself  how  the  beauty  of  your  person  attracts  the 
admiration  of  all  our  young  fellow-citizens.  During 
my  absence  they  will  be  more  attentive  to  you  than 
ever.  They  \vill  redouble  their  efforts  to  attract  and 
please  you.  The  image  of  your  husband  will  not  prove 
as  effective  as  his  presence  in  banishing  them  from  my 
doors  and  from  your  heart.  I  know  you  are  a  noble 
being ;  but  the  blandishments  of  love  are  powerful,  and 
oftentimes  overcome  the  firmest  resolutions.  Interrupt 
me  not.  Your  very  thoughts  of  me  during  my  absence 
may  inflame  your  passions.  I  may,  for  some  time,  con- 
tinue to  be  the  object  of  your  dearest  \vishes ;  but  who 
can  foretell  what  opportunities  may  occur,  and  allow  a 
stranger  to  enjoy  those  privileges  which  were  destined 
for  me  ?  Be  not  impatient,  I  beseech  you,  but  hear 
me  out. 

*' '  Should  that  time  arrive,  the  possibility  of  which 


3o6  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

you  deny,  and  which  I  am  by  no  means  anxious  to 
hasten,  in  wliich  you  feel  that  you  need  society,  and 
can  no  longer  defer  the  requirements  of  love,  then 
make  me  one  promise.  Permit  no  thoughtless  youth 
to  supplant  me,  whatever  may  be  the  attractions  of 
his  person ;  for  such  lovers  are  more  dangerous  to  the 
honour  than  to  the  virtue  of  a  woman.  Incited  rather 
by  vanity  than  by  love,  they  seek  the  general  favours 
of  the  sex,  and  are  ever  ready  to  transfer  their  transi- 
tory affections.  If  you  wish  for  the  society  of  a  friend, 
look  out  for  one  who  is  worthy  of  the  name,  whose 
modesty  and  discretion  understands  the  art  of  exalting 
the  joys  of  love  by  the  vii'tue  of  secrecy.' 

"  His  beautiful  wife  could  suppress  her  agony  no 
longer,  and  the  tears  which  she  had  till  now  restrained 
flowed  in  copious  torrents  from  her  eyes.  '  Whatever 
may  be  your  opinion  of  me,'  she  cried,  after  a  passion- 
ate embrace,  '  nothing  can  be  at  this  hour  farther  from 
my  thoughts  than  the  crime  you  seem  to  consider,  as 
it  were,  inevitable.  If  such  an  idea  ever  suggests  itself 
to  my  imagination,  may  the  earth  in  that  instant  open, 
and  swallow  me  up,  and  for  ever  vanish  all  hope  of  that 
joy  which  promises  a  blessed  immortality  !  Banish  tliis 
mistrust  from  your  bosom,  and  let  me  enjoy  the  full 
and  delightful  hope  of  seeing  you  again  return  to  these 
arms.' 

"  Having  left  untried  no  effort  to  comfort  and 
console  his  wife,  he  set  sail  the  next  day.  His 
voyage  was  prosperous,  and  he  soon  arrived  in  Alex- 
andria. 

"  In  the  meantime  our  heroine  hved  in  the  tranquil 
enjoyment  of  a  large  fortune,  in  possession  of  every 
luxury ;  though,  with  the  exception  of  her  relatives 
and  immediate  friends,  no  person  was  admitted  to  her 
society.  The  business  of  her  absent  husband  was  dis- 
charged by  trustworthy  servants ;  and  she  inhabited  a 
large  mansion,  in  whose  splendid  rooms  she  was  able 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  307 

to  enjoy  tlic  daily  pleasure  of  recalling  the  remembrance 
of  his  love. 

"  But,  notwithstanding  her  quiet  and  retired  mode  of 
life,  the  young  gallants  of  the  town  did  not  h^ng  remain 
inactive.  They  frequented  the  street,  passed  incessantly 
before  her  windows,  and  in  the  evening  sought  to  attract 
her  attention  by  means  of  music  and  serenades.  The 
pretty  prisoner,  although  she  at  first  found  these  atten- 
tions troublesome  and  annoying,  gi-adually  became  recon- 
ciled to  the  vexation ;  and,  when  the  long  evenings 
arrived,  she  began  to  consider  the  serenades  in  the 
hglit  of  an  agreeable  entertainment,  and  could  scarcely 
suppress  an  occasional  sigh,  wliich,  strictly  speaking, 
belonged  to  her  absent  husband. 

"  But  her  unknown  admirers,  instead  of  gradually 
wearying  in  their  attentions,  as  she  had  once  expected, 
became  more  assiduous  in  their  devotion.  She  began, 
at  last,  to  recognise  the  oft-repeated  instruments  and 
voices,  to  grow  familiar  with  the  melodies  and  to  feel 
curious  to  know  the  names  of  her  most  constant  sere- 
naders.  She  might  innocently  indulge  so  harmless  a 
curiosity.  She  now  peeped  occasionally  through  her 
curtains  and  half-closed  shutters,  to  notice  the  pedes- 
trians, and  to  observe  more  particularly  the  youths 
whose  eyes  were  constantly  directed  toward  her  win- 
dows. They  were  invariably  handsome,  and  fasliion- 
ably  dressed ;  but  their  manner  and  whole  deportment 
were  unmistakably  marked  by  frivolity  and  vanity. 
They  seemed  more  desirous  of  making  themselves  re- 
markable by  directing  their  attention  to  the  house  of 
so  beautiful  a  woman,  than  of  displaying  toward  her  a 
feeling  of  pecuhar  respect. 

" '  Keally,'  the  lady  would  sometimes  say  to  herself 
in  a  tone  of  raillery, '  really  my  husband  showed  a  deal 
of  penetration.  The  condition  under  which  he  allowed 
me  to  enjoy  the  privilege  of  a  lover  excludes  all  those 
who  care  in  the  least  for  me,  or  to  whom  I  am  likely 


3o8  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

to  take  a  fancy.  He  seems  to  have  well  understood 
that  prudence,  modesty,  and  silence  are  qualities  which 
belong  to  demure  old  age,  when  men  can  value  the 
understanding,  but  are  incapable  of  awakening  the 
fancy  or  exciting  the  desires.  I  am  pretty  sure,  at 
least,  that,  amongst  the  youths  who  lay  perpetual  siege 
to  my  mansion,  there  is  not  one  entitled  to  my  con- 
fidence ;  and  those  who  might  lay  some  claim  to  that 
virtue  fall  lamentably  short  in  other  attractions.' 

"  Supported  by  these  reflections,  she  allowed  herself 
to  take  daily  more  and  more  pleasure  in  the  music  and 
in  the  attentions  of  her  young  admirers ;  till  at  length, 
unperceived  by  herself,  there  gradually  sprung  up  in 
her  bosom  a  restless  desire,  which  she  struggled  to  re- 
sist when  it  was  already  too  late.  Solitude  and  idle- 
ness, combined  with  comfort  and  luxury,  gave  birth 
to  an  unruly  passion  long  before  its  thoughtless  victim 
had  any  suspicion  of  her  danger. 

"  Amongst  the  numerous  endowments  of  her  hus- 
band, she  now  saw  ample  reason  to  admire  his  profound 
knowledge  of  the  world  and  of  mankind,  and  his 
thorough  acquaintance  with  woman's  heart.  She  now 
perceived  that  that  had  occurred,  the  possibihty  of 
which  she  had  formerly  so  strenuously  denied,  and 
acknowledged  his  wisdom  in  preaching  the  necessity 
of  prudence  and  caution.  But  what  could  these  virtues 
avail,  where  pitiless  chance  seemed  to  be  in  conspiracy 
with  her  own  unaccountable  passions  ?  How  could 
she  select  one  from  a  crowd  of  strangers  ?  and  was  she 
permitted,  in  case  of  disappointment,  to  make  a  second 
choice  ? 

"  Innumerable  thoughts  of  this  nature  increased  the 
perplexity  of  our  sohtary  heroine.  In  vain  she  sought 
recreation,  and  tried  to  forget  herself.  Her  mind  was 
perpetually  excited  by  agreeable  objects,  and  her  im- 
agination thus  became  impressed  with  the  most  delight- 
ful pictures  of  fancied  happiness. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  309 

"  In  this  state  of  mind,  she  was  informed  one  day 
by  a  relation,  amongst  other  pieces  of  news,  that  a 
young  lawyer  who  had  just  finished  his  studies  at 
Bologna  had  lately  arrived  in  his  native  town.  His 
talents  were  the  topic  of  general  admiration  and  en- 
comium. His  universal  knowledge  was  accompanied 
by  a  modesty  and  reserve  very  uncommon  in  youth, 
and  his  personal  attractions  were  of  a  high  order.  In 
his  office  of  procurator  he  had  already  won,  not  only 
the  confidence  of  the  public,  Ijut  the  respect  of  the 
judges.  He  had  daily  business  to  transact  at  the  court- 
house, so  great  was  the  increase  of  his  professional 
practice. 

"  Our  heroine  could  not  hear  the  talents  of  this  youth 
so  generally  extolled,  without  feeling  a  wish  to  become 
acquainted  with  him,  accompanied  by  a  secret  hope 
that  he  might  prove  a  person  upon  whom,  in  conformity 
with  the  permission  of  her  husband,  she  might  bestow 
her  heart.  She  soon  learned  that  he  passed  her  dwell- 
ing daOy,  on  his  way  to  the  court-house ;  and  she 
carefully  watched  for  the  hour  when  the  lawj'ers  were 
accustomed  to  assemble  for  the  discharge  of  business. 
With  beating  heart  she  at  length  saw  him  pass ;  and 
if  liis  handsome  figure  and  youthful  attractions,  on  the 
one  hand,  excited  her  admiration,  his  apparent  reserve 
and  modesty,  on  the  other,  gave  her  much  reason  for 
doubt  and  anxiety.  For  several  days  she  watched  him 
silently,  tiU  at  length  she  was  no  longer  able  to  resist 
her  desire  to  attract  his  attention.  She  dressed  with 
care,  went  out  upon  the  balcony,  and  marked  his  ap- 
proach with  feelings  of  suspense.  But  she  gi'cw  trou- 
bled, and,  indeed,  felt  ashamed,  when  she  saw  him 
pass,  in  contemplative  mood,  with  thoughtful  steps  and 
downcast  eyes,  pursuing  his  quiet  way,  without  deign- 
ing* to  bestow  the  slightest  notice  upon  her.  Vainly 
did  sh^  endeavour  thus  to  win  his  attention  for  several 
successive  days.     In  the  same  undeviating  course  he 


3IO  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

continued  to  pass  by,  without  raising  his  eyes,  or  look- 
ing to  the  right  or  to  the  left.  But,  the  more  she 
observed  him,  the  more  did  he  appear  to  be  the  very 
one  she  needed.  Her  wish  to  know  him  now  grew 
stronger,  and  at  length  became  irresistible.  What !  she 
thought  within  herself :  when  my  noble,  sensible  hus- 
band actually  foresaw  the  extremity  to  which  his 
absence  would  reduce  me,  when  his  keen  perception 
knew  that  I  could  not  Kve  without  a  friend,  must  I 
droop  and  pine  away  at  the  very  time  when  fortune 
provides  me  with  one  whom  not  only  my  own  heart, 
but  even  my  husband,  would  choose,  and  in  whose 
society  I  should  be  able  to  enjoy  the  delights  of  love 
in  inviolable  secrecy  ?  Fool  should  I  be,  to  miss  such 
an  opportunity ;  fool,  to  resist  the  powerful  impulses 
of  love ! 

"  With  such  reflections  did  she  endeavour  to  decide 
upon  some  fixed  course,  and  she  did  not  long  remain 
a  prey  to  uncertainty.  It  happened  with  her,  as  it 
usually  does  with  every  one  who  is  conquered  by  a 
passion,  that  she  looked  without  apprehension  upon  all 
such  trifhng  oljjections  as  shame,  fear,  timidity,  and 
duty,  and  came  at  length  to  the  bold  resolution  of 
sending  her  servant-maid  to  the  young  lawyer  at  any 
risk,  and  inviting  him  to  visit  her. 

"  The  servant  found  him  in  the  company  of  several 
friends,  and  delivered  her  message  punctually  in  the 
terms  in  which  she  had  been  instructed.  The  procu- 
rator was  not  at  all  surprised  at  the  invitation.  He 
had  known  the  merchant  previously,  was  aware  of  his 
absence  at  present,  and  presumed  that  the  lady  re- 
quired the  aid  of  his  professional  services  about  some 
important  matter  of  business.  He  promised  the  ser- 
vant, therefore,  that  he  would  wait  upon  her  mistress 
without  delay.  The  latter  heard  with  unspeakable 
joy,  that  she  would  soon  be  allowed  an  opportunity  of 
seeing    and  speaking  to   her   beloved.     She   prepared 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGFMNTS  311 

carefully  for  his  receptiou,  and  had  her  rooms  arranged 
witli  tlie  utmost  elegance.  Orange-leaves  and  flowers 
were  strewn  around  in  profusion,  and  the  most  costly 
furniture  was  displayed  for  the  occasion.  And  thus 
the  hrief  intervening  time  hastened  by,  which  would 
otherwise  have  been  unbearable. 

"  Who  can  describe  the  emotion  with  which  she 
witnessed  his  arrival,  or  her  agitation  upon  inviting 
him  to  take  a  seat  at  her  side  ?  She  hesitated  how  to 
address  him  now  that  he  had  arrived,  and  found  a 
difficulty  in  remembering  what  she  had  to  say.  He 
sat  still  and  silent.  At  length  she  took  courage  and 
addressed  him,  not  without  some  visible  perplexity. 

" '  I  understand,  sir,  that  you  are  but  lately  returned 
to  your  native  city ;  and  I  learn  that  you  are  univer- 
sally admired  as  a  talented  and  incomparable  man.  I 
am  ready  to  bestow  my  utmost  confidence  upon  you, 
in  a  matter  of  extraordinary  importance,  but  which, 
upon  reflection,  would  seem  adapted  rather  for  the  ear 
of  the  confessor  than  that  of  the  lawyer.  I  have  been 
for  some  years  married  to  a  husband  who  is  both  rich 
and  honourable,  and  who,  as  long  as  we  have  Hved 
together,  has  never  ceased  to  tenderly  love  me,  and 
of  whom  I  should  not  have  a  single  word  of  complaint 
to  utter,  if  an  irresistible  desire  for  travel  and  trade  had 
not  torn  liim,  for  some  time,  from  my  arms. 

" '  Being  a  sensible  and  just  man,  he  no  doubt  felt 
conscious  of  the  injury  his  absence  nmst  necessarily 
inflict  upon  me.  He  knew  that  a  young  wife  cannot 
be  preserved  hke  jewelry  and  pearls.  He  knew  that 
she  resembles  a  garden,  full  of  the  choicest  fruits, 
which  would  be  lost,  not  only  to  him,  but  to  every 
one  else,  if  the  door  were  kept  locked  for  years.  For 
this  reason,  he  addressed  me  in  serious  but  fi-iendly 
tones  before  his  departure,  and  assured  me,  that  he 
knew  I  should  not  be  able  to  live  without  the  societv 
of  a  friCnd,  and  therefore  not  only  permitted,  but  made 


312  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

me  promise,  that  I  would,  in  a  free  and  unrestrained 
manner,  follow  the  inclination  which  I  should  soon 
find  springing  up  within  my  heart.' 

"  She  paused  for  a  moment ;  but  an  eloquent  look, 
wliich  the  young  lawyer  directed  toward  her,  encouraged 
her  to  proceed. 

" '  One  only  condition  was  imposed  upon  me  by  my 
indulgent  husband.  He  recommended  me  to  use  the 
most  extreme  caution,  and  impressed  upon  me  strongly 
the  necessity  of  choosing  a  steady,  prudent,  silent,  and 
confidential  friend.  But  you  will  excuse  my  con- 
tinuing,—  excuse  the  embarrassment  with  which  I 
must  confess  how  I  have  been  attracted  by  your  numer- 
ous accomplishments,  and  divine  from  the  confidence 
I  have  reposed  in  you  the  nature  of  my  hopes  and 
wishes.' 

"  The  worthy  young  lawyer  was  silent  for  a  short 
time,  and  then  replied,  in  a  thoughtful  tone,  '  I  am 
deeply  indebted  for  the  high  mark  of  confidence  with 
which  you  both  honour  and  dehght  me.  I  wish  to 
convince  you  that  I  am  not  unworthy  of  your  favour. 
But  let  me  first  answer  you  in  a  professional  capacity : 
and  I  must  confess  my  admiration  for  your  husband, 
who  so  clearly  saw  the  nature  of  the  injustice  he 
committed  against  you ;  for  there  can  be  no  doubt  of 
this,  —  that  a  husband  who  leaves  his  young  wife,  in 
order  to  \dsit  distant  countries,  must  be  viewed  in  the 
light  of  a  man  who  relinquishes  a  valuable  treasure, 
to  which,  by  his  own  conduct,  he  abandons  all  manner 
of  claim.  And  as  the  first  finder  may  then  lawfully 
take  possession,  so  I  hold  it  to  be  natural  and  just, 
that  a  young  woman,  under  the  circumstances  you 
describe,  should  bestow  her  aifections  and  herself, 
without  scruple,  upon  any  friend  who  may  prove 
worthy  of  her  confidence. 

" '  But  particularly  when  the  husband,  as  in  this 
case,  conscious    of   the  injustice  he  himself  commits, 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  313 

expressly  allows  his  forsaken  wife  a  privilege,  of  which 
he  could  not  deprive  her,  it  must  be  clear  that  he  can 
suffer  110  wrong  from  an  action  Lu  wliicli  lie  has  given 
his  own  consent. 

" '  Wherefore  if  you,'  continued  tlie  young  lawyer, 
with  quite  a  different  look  and  the  most  hvely  em- 
phasis, and  the  most  affectionate  pressure  of  the  hand, 
•  if  you  select  me  for  your  servant,  you  enrich  me  with 
a  happiness,  of  which,  till  now,  I  could  have  formed 
no  conception.  And  be  assured,'  he  added,  while  at 
the  same  time  he  warmly  kissed  her  hand,  '  that  you 
could  not  have  found  a  more  true,  loving,  prudent,  and 
devoted  servant.' 

"  Tliis  declaration  tranquillised  the  agitated  feelings 
of  our  tender  heroine.  She  at  once  expressed  her  love 
without  reserve.  She  pressed  his  hand,  drew  him 
nearer  to  her,  and  reclined  her  head  upon  his  shoulder. 
They  had  remained  but  a  short  time  in  this  position, 
when  he  tried  to  disengage  himself  gently,  and  ex- 
pressed himself  thus,  not  without  emotion :  '  Did  ever 
happy  mortal  find  himself  in  such  embarrassment  ?  I 
am  compelled  to  leave  you,  and  to  do  violence  to 
myself  in  the  very  moment  when  I  might  surrender 
myself  to  the  most  divine  enchantment.  I  cannot 
now  partake  the  bliss  which  is  prepared  for  me,  and  I 
earnestly  pray  that  a  temporary  postponement  may 
not  altogether  frustrate  my  fondest  hopes.' 

"  She  inquired  hastily  the  cause  of  this  strange 
speech. 

" '  When  I  was  in  Bologna,'  he  rephed,  '  and  had  just 
completed  my  studies,  preparing  to  enter  upon  the 
practice  of  my  profession,  I  was  seized  with  a  danger- 
ous illness,  from  which  it  appeared,  that,  even  if  I 
should  escape  with  my  life,  my  bodily  and  mental 
faculties  must  sustain  irreparable  injury.  Eeduced  to 
despair,  and  tortured  by  the  pangs  of  disease,  I  made  a 
solemn  vow  to    the  Virgin,  that,  should  I  recover,  I 


314  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

would  persist  for  one  whole  year  in  practising  the 
strictest  fast  and  abstinence  from  enjoyment  of  every 
description.  For  ten  months  I  have  already  adhered 
to  my  vow :  and,  considering  the  wonderful  favour  I 
have  enjoyed,  the  time  has  not  passed  wearily ;  and  I 
have  not  found  it  difficult  to  abstain  from  many  ac- 
customed pleasures.  But  the  two  months  wliich  still 
remaiQ  will  now  seem  an  eternity ;  since,  till  their  ex- 
piration, I  am  forbidden  to  partake  a  happiness  whose 
delights  are  inconceivable.  And,  though  you  may 
think  the  time  long,  do  not,  I  beseech  you,  withdraw 
the  favour  you  have  so  bountifully  bestowed  upon  me.' 

"  Not  much  consoled  by  tliis  announcement,  she  felt 
a  little  more  encouraged  when  her  friend  added,  after  a 
few  minutes'  reflection,  '  I  scarcely  dare  to  make  a 
proposal,  and  suggest  a  plan,  wliich  may,  perhaps, 
release  me  a  little  earlier  from  my  vow.  If  I  could 
only  find  some  one  as  firm  and  resolute  as  myself  in 
keeping  a  promise,  and  who  would  divide  with  me  the 
time  that  still  remains,  I  should  then  be  the  sooner 
free;  and  nothing  could  impede  our  enjoyment.  Are 
you  willing,  my  sweet  friend,  to  assist  in  hastening  our 
happiness  by  removing  one-half  of  the  obstacle  which 
opposes  us  ?  I  can  only  share  my  vow  with  one  upon 
whom  I  can  depend  with  full  confidence.  And  it  is 
severe,  —  nothing  but  bread  and  water  twice  a  day, 
and  at  night  a  few  hours'  repose  on  a  hard  bed :  and, 
notwithstanding  my  incessant  professional  occupation, 
I  must  devote  many  hours  to  prayer.  If  I  am  obliged 
to  attend  a  party,  I  am  not  thereby  released  from  my 
duty  ;  and  I  must  avoid  the  enjoyment  of  every  dainty. 
If  you  can  resolve  to  pass  one  month  in  the  observance 
of  these  rules,  you  will  find  yourself  the  sooner  in  pos- 
session of  your  friend's  society,  which  you  will  relish 
the  more  from  the  consciousness  of  having  deserved  it 
by  your  praiseworthy  resolution.' 

"The  beautiful  lady  was  sorry  to  hear  of  the  diffi- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  3^5 

culty  she  had  to  eucouuter ;  but  the  very  jji-esence  of 
her  beloved  so  increased  her  attachment,  that  no  trial 
which  would  ensure  the  possession  of  so  valuable  a 
prize  appeared  to  her  too  difficult.  She  therefore 
assured  him,  in  the  most  affectionate  manner,  of  her 
readiness  to  share  the  responsibility  of  his  vow,  and 
addressed  him  thus :  'My  sweet  friend  !  the  miracle 
through  which  you  have  recovered  your  health  is  to 
me  an  event  of  so  much  value  and  importance,  that  it 
is  not  only  my  duty,  Ijut  my  joy,  to  partake  the  vow 
by  which  you  are  still  bound.  1  am  delighted  to  oiler 
so  strong  a  proof  of  my  sincerity.  I  will  imitate  your 
example  in  the  strictest  manner ;  and,  until  you  dis- 
charge me  from  my  obhgation,  no  consideration  shall 
induce  me  to  stray  from  the  path  you  point  out  to  me.' 
"  The  young  lawyer  once  more  repeated  the  condi- 
tions under  which  he  was  \\illing  to  transfer  to  her  the 
obhgation  of  one-half  of  his  vow,  and  then  took  his 
leave,  with  the  assurance  that  he  would  soon  visit  her 
again,  to  inquire  after  her  constancy  and  resolution. 
And  she  was  then  obliged  to  witness  his  departure, 
without  receiving  so  much  as  one  kiss,  or  pressure  of  the 
hand,  and  scarcely  with  a  look  of  ordinary  recognition. 
She  found  some  degree  of  happy  rehef  in  the  strange 
employment  which  the  performance  of  her  new  duties 
imposed  upon  her,  for  she  had  much  to  do  in  the  prepa- 
ration for  her  unaccustomed  course  of  life.  In  the 
first  place,  she  removed  all  the  beautiful  exotics  and 
flowers  which  had  been  procured  to  gi-ace  the  reception 
of  her  beloved.  Then  a  hard  mattress  was  substituted 
for  her  downy  bed,  to  which  she  retired  in  the  evening, 
after  having  scarcely  satisfied  her  hunger  with  a  frugal 
meal  of  bread  and  water.  The  following  morning 
found  her  busily  employed  in  plain  work,  and  in  mak- 
ing a  certain  amount  of  wearing  apparel  for  the  poor 
inmates  of  the  town  hospital.  During  this  new  occu- 
pation she  entertained  her  fancy  by  dwelling  upon  the 


o 


1 6  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 


image  of  her  dear  friend,  and  indulging  the  hope 
of  future  happiness ;  and  these  thoughts  reconciled 
her  to  the  greatest  privations  and  to  the  humblest 
fare. 

"  At  the  end  of  the  first  week  the  roses  began  to 
fade  fi'om  her  beautiful  cheeks,  her  person  to  fall  away, 
and  her  strength  to  become  weak  and  languid ;  but  a 
visit  from  her  friend  imparted  new  animation  and 
fortitude.  He  encouraged  her  to  persist  in  her  resolu- 
tion, by  the  example  of  his  own  perseverance,  and  by 
showing  her  the  approaching  certainty  of  uninterrupted 
happiness.  His  visit  was  brief,  but  he  promised  to 
return  soon. 

"With  cheerful  resignation  she  continued  her  new 
and  strict  course  of  life,  but  her  strength  soon  declined 
so  much  that  the  most  severe  illness  could  scarcely 
have  reduced  her  to  such  extreme  weakness.  Her 
friend,  whose  visit  was  repeated  at  the  end  of  the  week, 
sympathised  with  her  condition,  and  comforted  her  by 
an  assurance  that  one-half  the  period  of  her  trial  was 
already  over.  But  the  severe  fasting,  continual  pray- 
ing, and  incessant  work,  became  every  day  more  un- 
bearable ;  and  her  excessive  abstemiousness  threatened 
to  ruin  the  health  of  one  who  had  been  accustomed  to 
a  hfe  of  the  greatest  luxury.  At  length  she  found  a 
difficulty  in  walking,  and  was  compelled,  notwithstand- 
ing the  sultriness  of  the  season,  to  wrap  herself  up  in 
the  warmest  clothing,  to  preserve  even  an  ordinary 
degree  of  heat ;  till  finally  she  was  obliged  to  take  to 
her  bed. 

"  It  would  be  difficult  to  describe  the  course  of  her 
reflections  when  she  reflected  on  her  condition  and  on 
this  strange  occurrence,  and  it  is  impossible  to  imagine 
her  distress  when  ten  tedious  days  wearily  passed 
without  the  appearance  of  the  friend  for  whose  sake  she 
had  consented  to  make  this  unheard-of  sacrifice.  But 
those  hours  of  trouble  sufficed  to  recall  her  to  reason. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  317 

and  she  formed  her  resolution.  Her  friend  visited  her 
after  the  lapse  of  some  few  days  more  ;  and  seating  him- 
self at  her  bedside,  upon  the  very  sofa  which  he  had 
occupied  when  she  made  her  Hrst  declaration  of  love  to 
him,  he  encouraged  and  implored  her,  in  the  most 
tender  and  affectionate  tones,  to  persist  for  a  short  time 
longer:  but  she  interrupted  him  with  a /sweet  smile, 
and  assured  him  that  she  needed  no  per^'^.asion  to  con- 
tinue, for  a  few  days,  the  performance  of  a  vow  which 
she  knew  full  well  had  been  appointed  for  her  advan- 
tage. '  I  am,  as  yet,  too  feeble,'  she  said, '  to  express 
my  thanks  to  you  as  I  could  wish.  You  have  saved 
me  from  myself.  You  have  restored  me  to  myself ; 
and  I  confess,  that  from  this  moment  I  am  indebted  to 
you  for  my  existence.  My  husband  was,  indeed,  gifted 
with  prudence  and  good  sense,  and  well  knew  the 
nature  of  woman's  heart.  And  he  was,  moreover,  just 
enough  not  to  condemn  a  passion  which  he  saw  might 
spring  up  within  my  bosom,  through  his  own  fault ; 
and  he  was  generous  enough  to  make  allowance  for  the 
weakness  of  my  nature.  But  you,  sir,  are  truly  \irtu- 
ous  and  good.  You  have  taught  me  that  we  possess 
within  us  an  antidote  equivalent  to  the  force  of  our 
passions  ;  that  we  are  capable  of  renouncing  luxuries  to 
which  we  have  been  accustomed,  and  of  suppressing 
our  strongest  inclinations.  You  have  taught  me  this 
lesson  by  means  of  hope  and  of  delusion.  Neither  is 
any  longer  necessary :  you  have  made  me  acquainted 
with  the  existence  of  that  ever-Uving  conscience,  which, 
in  peaceful  silence,  dwells  within  our  souls,  and  never 
ceases  with  gentle  admonitions  to  remind  us  of  its 
presence,  till  its  sway  becomes  irresistibly  acknowl- 
edged. And  now  farewell.  May  your  influence  over 
others  be  as  effective  as  it  has  been  over  me.  Do  not 
confine  your  labours  to  the  task  of  unravelling  legal 
perplexities,  but  show  mankind,  by  your  own  gentle 
guidance   and  example,  that  within  every  bosom  the 


3i8  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

germ  of  hidden  virtue  lies  concealed.  Esteem  and  fame 
will  be  3' our  reward ;  and,  far  better  than  any  states- 
man or  hero,  you  will  earn  the  glorious  title  of  father 
of  your  country.' " 

"  We  must  all  extol  the  character  of  your  young 
lawyer,"  said  the  baroness,  at  the  conclusion  of  the 
clergyman's  tale :  "  polished,  wise,  interesting,  and  in- 
structive, I  wish  every  preceptor  were  like  him,  who 
undertakes  to  restrain  or  recall  youth  from  the  path  of 
error.  I  think  such  a  tale  is  peculiarly  entitled  to  be 
styled  a  moral  anecdote.  Eelate  some  more  of  the 
same  nature,  and  your  audience  will  have  ample  reason 
to  be  thankful." 

Clergyman.  I  am  dehghted  that  my  tale  has  earned 
your  approbation,  but  I  am  sorry  you  wish  to  hear 
more  of  such  moral  anecdotes ;  for,  to  say  the  truth, 
this  is  the  first  and  last  of  the  kind. 

Louisa.  It  certainly  does  not  do  you  much  credit, 
to  say  that  your  best  collection  only  furnishes  a  single 
specimen. 

Clergyman.  You  have  not  understood  me.  It  is 
not  the  only  moral  tale  I  can  relate  ;  but  they  all  bear 
so  close  a  resemblance,  that  each  would  seem  only  to 
repeat  the  original. 

Louisa.  Really,  you  should  give  up  your  paradox- 
ical style,  which  so  much  obscures  your  conversation, 
and  express  yourself  more  clearly. 

Clergyman.  With  pleasure,  then.  No  anecdote 
deserves  to  be  called  moral  which  does  not  prove 
that  man  possesses  within  himself  that  power  to  sub- 
due his  inclinations  which  may  be  called  out  by  the 
persuasion  of  another.  My  story  teaches  this  doctrine, 
and  no  moral  tale  can  teach  otherwise. 

Louisa.  Then,  in  order  to  act  morally,  I  must  act 
contrary  to  my  inclinations  ? 

Clergyman.     Undoubtedly. 

Louisa.     Even  when  they  are  good  ? 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  319 

Clergyman.  No  inclinations  are  abstractedly  good, 
but  only  so  far  as  they  effect  good. 

Louifid.  Suppose  T  have  an  inclination  for  benevo- 
lence ? 

Cleryyman.  Then,  you  should  subdue  your  inclina- 
tion for  benevolence  if  you  find  that  it  ruins  your 
domestic  happiness. 

Louisa.  Suppose  I  felt  an  irresistible  impulse  to 
gratitude  ? 

Cleryyman.  It  is  wisely  ordained  that  gratitude 
can  never  be  an  impulse.  But  if  it  were,  it  would  be 
better  to  prove  ungrateful  than  to  commit  a  crime 
in  order  to  oblige  your  benefactor. 

Louisa.  Then,  there  may  be  a  thousand  moral 
stories  ? 

Clergyman.  Yes,  in  your  sense.  But  none  of  them 
would  read  a  lesson  different  from  the  one  our  lawyer 
taught,  and  in  this  sense  there  can  be  but  one  story  of 
the  kind :  you  are  right,  however,  if  you  mean  that  the 
incidents  can  be  various. 

Louisa.  If  you  had  expressed  your  meaning  more 
precisely  at  first,  we  should  not  have  disagi-eed. 

Clergyman.  And  we  should  have  had  no  conversa- 
tion. Errors  and  misunderstandings  are  the  springs  of 
action,  of  life,  and  of  amusement. 

Louisa.  I  cannot  agree  with  you.  Suppose  a  brave 
man  saves  another  at  the  risk  of  his  own  life :  is  that 
not  a  moral  action  ? 

Clergyman.  Not  according  to  my  mode  of  thinking. 
But,  suppose  a  cowardly  man  were  to  overcome  his 
fears  and  do  the  same,  that  would  be  a  moral  action. 

Baroness.  I  wish,  my  dear  friend,  you  would  give 
us  some  examples,  and  convince  Louisa  of  the  truth 
of  your  theory.  Certainly,  a  mind  disposed  to  good 
must  dehght  us  when  we  become  acquainted  with  it. 
Nothing  in  the  worlil  can  be  more  pleasing  than 
a  mind  under  the  guidance  of  reason  and  conscience. 


320  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

If  you  know  a  tale  upon  such  a  subject,  we  should 
like  to  hear  it,  I  am  fond  of  stories  which  illustrate 
a  doctrine.  They  give  a  better  explanation  of  one's 
meaning  than  dry  words  can  do. 

Clergyman.  I  certainly  can  relate  some  anecdotes 
of  that  kind,  for  I  have  paid  some  attention  to  those 
qualities  of  the  human  mind. 

Louisa.  I  would  just  make  one  observation.  I 
must  confess  I  do  not  Hke  stories  which  oblige  us  to 
travel,  in  imagination,  to  foreign  lands.  Why  must 
every  adventure  take  place  in  Italy,  in  Sicily,  or  in 
the  East  ?  Are  Naples,  Palermo,  and  Smyrna,  the 
only  places  where  anythuig  interesting  can  happen  ? 
One  may  transpose  the  scene  of  our  fairy-tales  to 
Ormus  and  Samarcand  for  the  purpose  of  perplexing 
the  imagination  ;  but,  if  you  would  instruct  the  under- 
standing or  the  heart,  do  it  by  means  of  domestic 
stories,  —  family  portraits,  —  in  which  we  shall  recog- 
nise our  own  likeness ;  and  our  hearts  will  more 
readily  sympathise  with  sorrow. 

Clergyman.  You  shall  be  gratified.  But  there  is 
something  pecuhar,  too,  about  family  stories.  They 
bear  a  strong  resemblance  to  each  other ;  and,  besides, 
we  daily  see  every  incident  and  situation  of  which 
they  are  capable  fully  worked  out  upon  the  stage. 
However,  I  am  willing  to  make  the  attempt,  and 
shall  relate  a  story,  with  some  of  the  incidents  of 
which  you  are  already  familar ;  and  it  will  only  prove 
interesting  so  far  as  it  is  an  exact  representation  of 
the  picture  in  your  own  minds. 

"  We  may  often  observe  in  f amihes,  that  the 
children  inherit,  not  only  the  personal  appearance, 
but  even  the  mental  quahties,  of  their  parents;  and 
it  sometimes  happens  that  one  child  combines  the  dis- 
positions of  both  father  and  mother  in  a  peculiar  and 
remarkable  manner. 

"  A  youth,  whom  I  may   name    Ferdinand,   was   a 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  321 

stronjT  instance  of  tliis  fact.  In  his  appearance  he 
reseinljlcd  Ixilli  parents,  and  one  could  distinguish 
in  his  mind  the  separate  disposition  of  each.  He 
possessed  the  gay,  thoughtless  manner  of  his  father 
iu  his  strong  desire  to  enjoy  the  present  moment, 
and,  in  most  cases,  to  prefer  himself  to  others ;  but  he 
also  inherited  the  tranquil  and  reflective  mind  of  liis 
mother,  no  less  than  her  love  for  honesty  and  justice, 
and  a  willingness,  like  her,  perpetually  to  sacrifice 
himself  for  the  advantage  of  others.  To  explain  his 
contradictory  conduct  upon  many  occasions,  his  com- 
panions were  often  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  believing 
that  he  had  two  souls.  I  must  pass  by  many  adven- 
tures which  happened  in  his  youth,  and  shall  content 
myself  with  relating  one  anecdote,  which  not  only 
explains  his  character  fully,  but  forms  a  remarkable 
epoch  in  his  life. 

"  His  youth  was  passed  in  every  species  of  enjoy- 
ment. His  parents  were  affluent,  and  brought  up 
their  cliildren  extravagantly.  If  the  father  indulged 
in  unreasonable  expenditure,  either  in  company,  at  the 
gaming-table,  or  in  other  dissipations,  it  was  the  habit 
of  the  mother  to  restrain  her  own,  and  the  household 
expenses,  so  as  to  supply  the  deficiency ;  though  she 
never  allowed  an  appearance  of  want  to  be  observed. 
Her  husband  was  fortunate  in  his  business;  he  was 
successful  in  several  hazardous  speculations  he  had 
undertaken :  and,  as  he  was  fond  of  society,  he  had 
the  happiness  to  form  many  pleasant  and  advanta- 
geous connections. 

"  The  children  of  a  family  usually  copy  those  mem- 
bers of  the  household  who  seem  to  enjoy  their  lives 
most.  They  see  in  the  example  of  a  father  who 
follows  such  a  course  a  model  worthy  of  imitation ; 
and,  as  they  are  seldom  slow  in  obeying  their  inclina- 
tions, their  wishes  and  desires  often  increase  very 
much  in  disproportion  to  their  means  of  enjoyment. 


322  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

Obstacles  to  their  gratification  soou  arise :  each  new 
addition  to  the  family  forms  a  new  claim  upon  the 
capabilities  of  the  parents,  who  frequently  surrender 
their  own  pleasures  for  the  sake  of  their  children ; 
and,  by  common  consent,  a  more  simple  and  less 
expensive  mode  of  living  is  adopted. 

"  Ferdinand  grew  up  with  a  consciou.sness  of  the 
disagreeable  truth,  that  he  was  often  deprived  of  many 
luxuries  which  his  more  fortunate  companions  enjoyed. 
It  distressed  him  to  appear  inferior  to  any  of  them 
in  the  richness  of  his  apparel,  or  the  liberality  of  his 
expenditure.  He  wished  to  resemble  his  father,  whose 
example  was  daily  before  him,  and  who  appeared  to 
him  a  twofold  model,  —  first,  as  a  parent,  in  whose 
favour  a  son  is  usually  prejudiced ;  and,  secondly,  as 
a  man  who  led  a  pleasant  and  luxurious  life,  and  was, 
therefore,  apparently  loved  and  esteemed  by  a  numer- 
ous acquaintance.  It  is  easy  to  suppose  that  all  this 
occasioned  great  vexation  to  his  mother ;  but  in  this 
way  Ferdinand  gi-ew  up,  with  his  wants  daily  increas- 
ing, until  at  length,  when  he  had  attained  his  eight- 
eenth year,  his  requirements  and  wishes  were  sadly 
out  of  proportion  to  his  condition. 

"  He  had  hitherto  avoided  contracting  debts ;  for 
this  vice  liis  mother  had  impressed  him  with  the 
greatest  abhorrence :  and,  in  order  to  win  his  confi- 
dence, she  had,  ui  numerous  instances,  exerted  herself 
to  gratify  his  desires,  and  relieve  him  from  occasional 
embarrassments.  But  it  happened,  unfortunately,  that 
she  was  now  compelled  to  practise  the  most  rigid 
economy  in  her  household  expenditure,  and  this  at  a 
time  when  his  wants,  from  many  causes,  had  increased. 
He  had  commenced  to  enter  more  generally  into  society, 
tried  to  win  the  affections  of  a  very  attractive  girl,  and 
to  rival  and  even  surpass  his  companions  in  the  ele- 
gance of  his  attire.  His  mother,  being  unable  any 
longer  to  satisfy  his  demands,  appealed  to  his  duty 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  323 

and  filial  affection  so  as  to  induce  him  to  restrain  his 
expenses.  He  admitted  the  justice  of  her  exijostula- 
tious,  but,  being  unable  to  follow  her  advice,  was 
soon  reduced  to  a  state  of  the  greatest  mental 
embarrassment. 

"  Without  forfeiting  the  object  of  liis  dearest  wishes, 
he  found  it  impossible  to  change  his  mode  of  life. 
From  his  bojhood  he  had  been  addicted  to  his  pres- 
ent pursuits,  and  could  alter  no  iota  of  his  habits  or 
practices  without  running  the  risk  of  losing  an  old 
friend,  a  desirable  comptiuion,  or,  what  was  worse, 
abandoning  the  society  of  his  dearest  love. 

"  His  attachment  became  stronger ;  as  the  love 
which  was  bestowed  upon  him  not  only  flattered  his 
vanity,  but  complimented  his  understanding. 

"  It  was  something  to  be  preferred  to  a  host  of 
suitors  by  a  handsome  and  agreeable  girl,  who  was 
acknowledged  to  be  the  richest  heiress  in  the  city. 
He  boasted  of  the  preference  with  wliich  he  was 
regarded,  and  she  also  seemed  proud  of  the  dehght- 
ful  bondage  in  which  she  was  held.  It  now  became 
indispensable  that  he  should  be  in  constant  attendance 
upon  her,  that  he  should  devote  his  time  and  money 
to  her  service,  and  afford  perpetual  proofs  of  the  value 
he  set  upon  her  affection.  All  these  ine\dtable  results 
of  his  attachment  occasioned  Ferdinand  more  expense 
than  he  would  otherwise  have  incurred.  His  ladylove 
(who  was  named  Ottilia)  had  been  entrusted  by  her 
parents  to  the  care  of  an  aunt,  and  no  exertions  had 
been  spared  to  introduce  her  to  society  under  the 
most  favourable  circumstances.  Ferdinand  exhausted 
every  resource  to  furnish  her  wdth  the  enjoyments 
of  society,  into  all  of  which  she  entered  with  the 
greatest  delight,  and  of  which  she  herself  proved  one 
of  the  greatest  attractions. 

"  No    situation    could    certainly  be   more   wretched 
than  that  to  which  Ferdinand  was  now  reduced.     His 


324  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

mother,  whom  he  sincerely  loved  and  respected,  had 
pointed  out  to  him  the  necessity  of  embarking  in  duties 
very  different  from  those  which  he  had  hitherto  prac- 
tised :  she  could  no  longer  assist  him  in  a  pecuniary 
way.  He  felt  a  horror  at  the  debts  which  were  daily 
becoming  more  burdensome  to  him,  and  he  saw  before 
him  the  difficult  task  of  reconciling  his  impoverished 
condition  with  his  anxiety  to  appear  rich  and  practise 
generosity.  No  mind  could  be  a  prey  to  greater  un- 
happiness. 

"  His  mind  was  now  forcibly  impressed  with  thoughts 
which  had  formerly  only  indistinctly  suggested  them- 
selves to  his  imagination.  Certain  unpleasant  reflec- 
tions became  to  him  the  source  of  great  unhappiness. 
He  had  once  looked  upon  his  father  as  a  model :  he 
now  began  to  regard  him  as  a  rival.  AVhat  the  son 
wished  to  enjoy,  the  parent  actually  possessed ;  and 
the  latter  felt  none  of  the  anxieties  or  grievances 
wherewith  the  former  was  tortured.  Ferdinand,  how- 
ever, was  in  full  possession  of  every  comfort  of  hfe ; 
but  he  envied  his  father  the  luxuries  which  he  enjoyed, 
and  with  which  he  thought  he  might  very  well  dis- 
pense. But  the  latter  was  of  a  different  opinion.  He 
was  one  of  those  beings  whose  desires  are  wholly  in- 
satiable, and  who,  for  then-  own  gi-atification,  subject 
their  family  and  dependants  to  the  greatest  privations. 
His  son  received  from  him  a  certain  pecuniary  allow- 
ance, but  a  regular  account  of  his  expenditure  was 
strictly   exacted. 

"  The  eye  of  the  envious  is  sharpened  by  restrictions, 
and  dependants  are  never  more  censorious  than  when 
the  commands  of  superiors  are  at  variance  with  their 
practice.  Thus  Ferdinand  came  to  watch  strictly  the 
conduct  of  his  father,  particularly  upon  points  which 
concerned  his  expenditure.  He  listened  attentively 
when  it  was  rumoured  that  his  father  had  lost  heavUy 
at  the  gambling-table,  and  expressed  great  dissatisfac- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  325 

tion  at  any  unwonted  extravagance  which  he  might 
indulge.  'Is  it  not  astonishing  ? '  he  would  say  to 
himself,  '  that,  whilst  parents  revel  in  every  luxury 
that  can  spring  from  the  ])Ossession  of  a  jtroperty  which 
they  accidentally  enjoy,  they  can  del)ar  their  children 
of  those  reasonable  pleasures  which  their  season  of 
youth  most  urgently  requires  ?  And  })y  what  right 
do  they  act  thus  ?  How  have  they  acquired  this  privi- 
lege ?  Does  it  not  arise  from  mere  chance  ?  and  can 
that  be  a  riglit  wliich  is  the  result  of  accident  ?  If  my 
grandfather,  who  loved  me  as  his  own  son,  were  still 
alive,  I  should  be  better  provided  for.  He  would  not 
see  me  in  want  of  common  necessaries,  those  things,  I 
mean,  which  we  have  had  from  our  birth.  He  would 
no  more  let  me  want,  than  he  would  approve  my 
father's  extravagance.  Had  he  lived  longer,  had  he 
known  how  worthy  his  grandchild  would  prove  to 
inherit  a  fortune,  he  would  have  provided  in  his  will 
for  my  earlier  independence.  I  have  heard  that  his 
death  was  unexpected,  that  he  had  intended  to  make 
a  will ;  and  I  am  probably  indebted  to  mere  chance 
for  the  postponement  of  my  enjoying  a  fortune,  wliich, 
if  my  father  continue  his  present  course,  will  probably 
be  lost  to  me  for  ever.' 

"With  such  discontented  thoughts  did  Ferdinand 
often  perplex  himself  in  those  hours  of  solitude  and 
unhappiness,  in  which  he  was  prevented,  by  the  want  of 
money,  from  joining  his  companions  upon  some  agree- 
able party  of  pleasure.  Then  it  was  that  he  discussed 
those  dangerous  questions  of  right  and  property,  and 
considered  how  far  individuals  are  bound  by  laws  to 
which  they  have  given  no  consent,  or  whether  they 
may  lawfully  burst  through  the  restraints  of  society. 
But  all  these  were  mere  pecuniary  sophistries ;  for 
every  article  of  value  which  he  formerly  possessed  had 
gradually  disappeared,  and  his  daily  wants  had  now 
far  outgrown  his  allowance. 


326  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

"  He  soon  became  sileut  and  reserved ;  and,  at  such 
times,  even  his  respect  for  his  mother  disappeared,  as 
she  could  afford  him  no  assistance :  and  he  began  to 
entertain  a  hatred  for  liis  father,  who,  according  to  Iris 
sentiments,  was  perpetually  in  his  way. 

"  Just  at  this  period  he  made  a  discovery  which. 
increased  his  discontent.  He  learned  that  his  father 
was  not  only  an  irregular,  but  an  improvident,  manager 
of  his  household.  He  observed  that  he  often  took 
money  hastily  from  his  desk,  without  entering  it  in 
his  account-book,  and  that  he  was  afterward  perplexed 
with  private  calculations,  and  annoyed  at  his  inability 
to  balance  his  accounts.  More  than  once  did  Ferdinand 
notice  this ;  and  his  father's  carelessness  was  the  more 
galling  to  him,  as  it  often  occun-ed  at  times  when  he 
himself  was  suffering  severely  from  the  want  of  money. 

"Wliilst  he  was  in  tliis  state  of  mind,  an  unlucky 
accident  happened,  which  afforded  an  opportunity  for 
the  commission  of  a  crime,  to  which  he  had  long  felt 
himself  impelled  by  a  secret  and  ungovernable  im- 
pulse. 

"  His  father  had  desired  him  to  examine  and  arrange 
a  collection  of  old  letters.  One  Sunday,  when  he  was 
alone,  he  set  to  work  in  a  room  which  contained  his 
father's  writing-desk,  and  in  which  his  money  was 
usually  kept.  The  box  of  letters  was  heavy;  and,  in 
the  act  of  Hfting  it  from  the  ground,  he  pushed  un- 
intentionally against  the  desk,  when  the  latter  suddenly 
flew  open.  The  rolls  of  money  lay  temptingly  dis- 
played before  him.  Without  allowing  time  for  a  mo- 
ment's reflection,  he  took  a  roll  of  gold  from  that  part 
of  the  desk  where  he  thought  his  father  kept  a  supply 
of  money  for  his  own  occasional  wants.  He  shut  the 
desk  again,  and  repeated  the  experiment  of  opening  it. 
He  once  more  succeeded,  and  saw  that  he  could  now 
command  the  treasure  as  completely  as  if  he  had 
possessed  the  key. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  327 

"  He  soon  plunged  once  more  into  all  those  dissipa- 
tions which  lie  had  lately  heen  obliged  to  renounce. 
He  became  more  constant  than  ever  in  his  attentions 
to  Ottilia,  and  more  passionate  in  the  pursuit  of  pleas- 
ure. Even  his  former  graceful  animation  was  con- 
verted into  a  species  of  excitement,  which,  though  it 
was  far  from  unbecoming,  was  deficient  in  that  kind 
attention  to  others  wliich  is  so  agreeable. 

"  0])portunity  is  to  passion  what  a  spark  is  to  gun- 
powder, and  those  desires  which  we  gratify  contrary 
to  the  dictates  of  conscience  always  rule  with  the 
most  ungovernable  power.  Ferdinand's  own  convic- 
tions loudly  comlomned  his  conduct,  but  he  endeav- 
oured to  justify  himself  by  specious  arguments ;  and 
though  his  manner  became  in  appearance  more  free 
and  unrestrained  than  before,  he  was  in  reality  a  cap- 
tive to  the  uiflueuce  of  his  evil  inclinations. 

"  Just  at  this  time  the  wearing  of  extravagant  trifles 
came  into  fashion.  Ottilia  was  fond  of  personal  orna- 
ments, and  Ferdinand  endeavoured  to  discover  a  mode 
of  gratifying  her  taste  without  apprising  her  where  her 
supply  of  presents  came  from.  Her  suspicions  fell 
upon  an  old  uncle,  and  Ferdinand's  gratification  was 
indescribable  at  observing  the  satisfaction  of  his  mis- 
tress and  the  course  of  her  mistaken  suspicion^;.  But, 
unfortunately  for  his  peace  of  mind,  he  was  now  obliged 
to  have  frequent  recourse  to  his  father's  desk,  in  order 
to  gratify  Ottilia's  fancy  and  his  own  inchnations ;  and 
he  pursued  this  course  now  the  more  boldly,  as  he  had 
lately  observed  that  his  father  gi-ew  more  and  more 
careless  about  entering  in  his  account-book  the  sums 
he  himself  required. 

"  The  time  now  arrived  for  Ottilia's  return  to  her 
parents.  The  young  couple  were  overpowered  with 
grief  at  the  prospect  of  their  separation,  and  one  cir- 
cumstance added  to  their  sorrow.  Ottilia  had  acci- 
dentally learned  that  the  presents  we  have  spoken  of 


328  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

had  come  from  Ferdiuand :  she  questioned  him,  and 
he  confessed  the  truth  with  feelings  of  evident  sorrow. 
She  insisted  upon  returning  them,  and  this  occasioned 
him  the  bitterest  anguish.  He  declared  his  determina- 
tion not  to  hve  without  her,  prayed  that  she  would 
preserve  him  her  attachment,  and  implored  that  she 
would  not  refuse  her  hand  as  soon  as  he  should  have 
provided  an  estabhshment.  She  loved  him,  was  moved 
at  his  entreaties,  promised  what  he  wished,  and  sealed 
her  vow  with  the  warmest  embraces  and  a  thousand  pas- 
sionate kisses. 

"  After  her  departure  Ferdinand  was  reduced  to  sad 
sohtude.  The  company  in  which  he  had  found  deUght 
pleased  him  no  more,  she  being  absent.  From  the 
mere  force  of  habit  he  mingled  with  his  former  asso- 
ciates, and  had  recourse  to  his  father's  desk  to  supply 
those  expenses  which  in  reality  he  felt  but  slight 
inclination  to  indulge.  He  was  now  frequently  alone, 
and  his  natural  good  disposition  began  to  obtain  the 
mastery  over  him.  In  moments  of  calm  reflection  he 
felt  astonished  how  he  could  have  listened  to  that 
deceitful  sophistry  about  justice  and  right,  and  his 
claim  to  the  goods  of  others ;  and  he  wondered  at  his 
approval  of  those  evil  arguments  by  which  he  had  been 
led  to  justify  his  dishonest  conduct.  But  in  the  mean- 
time, before  these  correct  ideas  of  truth  and  uprightness 
produced  a  practical  effect  upon  his  conduct,  he  yielded 
more-  than  once  to  the  temptation  of  supplying  his 
wants,  in  extreme  cases,  from  his  father's  treasury. 
This  plan,  however,  was  now  adopted  with  more  re- 
luctance; and  he  seemed  to  be  under  the  irresistible 
impulse  of  an  evil  spirit. 

"  At  length  he  took  courage,  and  formed  the  resolu- 
tion of  rendering  a  repetition  of  the  practice  impossible, 
by  informing  Ms  father  of  the  facility  with  which  his 
desk  could  be  opened.  He  took  his  measures  cau- 
tiously ;  and  once,  in  the  presence  of  his  father,  he  car- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  329 

ried  tlie  box  <jf  letters  we  liave  ineiitioued  into  the 
room,  pretended  to  stumble  accidentally  against  the 
desk,  and  astonished  his  father  by  causing  it  to  spring 
open.  They  examined  the  lock  without  delay,  and 
found  that  it  had  become  almost  useless  from  age.  It 
was  at  once  repaired,  and  Ferdinand  soon  enjoyed  a 
return  of  his  peace  of  mind  when  he  saw  his  father's 
rolls  of  money  once  more  in  safe  custody. 

"  But  he  was  not  content  with  this.  He  formed  the 
resolution  of  restoring  the  money  which  he  had  ab- 
stracted. He  commenced  the  most  economical  course 
of  life  for  this  purpose,  with  a  view  of  saving  from  Ms 
allowance  all  that  could  possibly  be  spared  from  the 
merest  necessities.  It  is  true  that  this  was  but  httle ; 
but  it  appeared  much,  as  it  was  the  commencement  of 
a  system  of  restitution :  and  there  will  always  be  a 
wonderful  difference  between  the  last  guinea  borrowed 
and  the  first  guinea  saved.  He  had  pursued  this  up- 
right course  for  but  a  short  time,  when  his  father  deter- 
mined to  settle  him  in  business.  His  intention  was  to 
form  a  connection  with  a  manufactory  at  some  distance 
from  his  residence.  The  design  was  to  establish  a 
company  in  a  part  of  the  country  where  labour  and 
provisions  were  cheap,  to  appoint  an  agent,  and  extend 
the  business  as  widely  as  possible  by  means  of  money 
and  credit.  It  was  determined  that  Ferdinand  should 
inquire  into  the  practicability  of  the  scheme,  and  for- 
ward a  circumstantial  report  of  his  proceedings.  His 
father  furnished  him  with  money  for  his  journey,  but 
placed  a  moderate  limit  upon  his  expenditure.  The 
supply  was,  however,  sufficient  for  his  wants ;  and 
Ferdinand  had  no  reason  to  complain  of  a  deficiency. 

"  Ferdinand  used  the  utmost  economy  also  upon  his 
journey,  and  found  upon  the  closest  calculation  that  he 
could  live  upon  one-third  of  his  allowance,  by  practis- 
ing strict  restraint.  He  was  now  anxious  to  find 
means  of  gradually  saving  9,  certain  sum,  and  it  soon 


33°  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

presented  itself;  for  opportunity  comes  indifferently  to 
the  good  and  to  the  bad,  and  favours  all  parties  alike. 
In  the  neighbourhood  which  he  designed  to  visit,  he 
found  things  more  to  his  advantage  than  had  been  ex- 
pected. No  new  habits  of  expense  had  as  yet  been 
introduced.  A  moderate  capital  alone  had  been  invested 
in  business,  and  the  manufacturers  were  satisfied  with 
small  profits.  Ferdinand  soon  saw,  that  with  a  large 
capital,  and  the  advantages  of  a  new  system,  by  pur- 
chasing the  raw  material  by  wholesale,  and  erecting 
machinery  under  the  guidance  of  experienced  work- 
men, large  and  solid  advantages  might  be  secured. 

"  The  prospect  of  a  life  of  activity  gave  him  the 
greatest  delight.  The  image  of  his  beloved  Ottilia  was 
ever  before  him ;  and  the  charming  and  picturesque 
character  of  the  country  made  him  anxiously  wish  that 
his  father  might  be  induced  to  establish  him  in  this 
spot,  commit  the  conduct  of  the  new  manufactory  to 
him,  and  thus  afford  him  the  means  of  attaining  inde- 
pendence. His  attention  to  business  was  secured  by 
the  demands  of  his  own  personal  interests.  He  now 
found  an  opportunity,  for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  for 
the  exercise  of  his  understanding  and  judgment,  and 
for  exerting  his  other  mental  powers.  Not  only  the 
beautiful  neighbourhood,  but  his  business  and  occupa- 
tion, were  full  of  attractions  for  him :  they  acted  as 
balm  and  cordial  to  his  wounded  heart,  whenever  he 
recalled  the  painful  remembrance  of  his  father's  house, 
in  which,  influenced  by  a  species  of  insanity,  he  had 
acted  in  a  manner  which  now  seemed  to  him  in  the 
highest  degree  criminal. 

"  His  constant  companion  was  a  friend  of  his  family, 
—  a  person  of  strong  mind,  but  dehcate  health,  who 
had  first  conceived  the  project  of  founding  this  estab- 
hshment.  He  instructed  Ferdinand  in  all  his  own 
views  and  projects,  and  seemed  to  take  great  pleasure 
in  the  thorough  harmony  of  mind  which  existed  be- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  331 

tweeu  them.  This  liiLter  personage  led  a  simple  and 
retired  life,  partly  from  choice,  and  partly  because  his 
health  required  it.  He  had  no  family  of  his  own.  His 
household  establishment  was  conducted  by  a  niece,  who 
he  mtended  should  inherit  his  fortune  ;  and  it  was  his 
wish  to  see  her  united  to  a  person  of  active  and  enter- 
prising disposition,  who,  by  means  of  capital  and  perse- 
vering industry,  might  carry  on  the  business  which  his 
infirm  health  and  want  of  means  disqualified  him  from 
conducting.  His  first  interview  with  Ferdinand  sug- 
gested that  he  had  found  the  man  he  wanted  ;  and  he 
was  the  more  strongly  confirmed  in  this  opinion,  upon 
observing  his  fondness  for  business,  and  his  attachment 
to  the  place.  His  niece  became  aware  of  his  inten- 
tions, and  seemed  to  approve  of  them.  She  was  a 
young  and  interesting  girl,  of  sweet  and  engaging  dis- 
position. Her  care  of  her  uncle's  establishment  had 
imparted  to  her  mind  the  valuable  qualities  of  activity 
and  decision,  whilst  her  attention  to  his  health  had 
softened  down  these  traits  by  a  proper  union  of  gentle- 
ness and  affection.  It  would  have  been  difficult  to 
find  a  person  better  calculated  to  make  a  husband 
happy. 

"  But  Ferdinand's  mind  was  engrossed  with  the 
thoughts  of  Ottiha's  love :  he  saw  no  attractions  in 
the  charms  of  this  country  beauty ;  or,  at  least,  his 
admiration  was  circumscribed  by  the  wish,  that,  if  ever 
Ottilia  settled  down  as  his  wife  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  she  might  have  such  a  person  for  her  assistant 
and  housekeeper.  But  he  was  free  and  unrestrained 
in  his  intercourse  with  the  young  lady,  he  valued  her 
more  as  he  came  to  know  her  better,  and  his  conduct 
became  more  respectful  and  attentive ;  and  both  she 
and  her  uncle  soon  put  their  own  interpretations  upon 
his  behaviour. 

"  Ferdinand  had  in  the  meantime  made  all  the 
requisite  inquiries  about  his  father's  business.      The 


332  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

uncle's  suggestions  had  enabled  him  to  form  certain 
projects  wliich,  mth  liis  usual  thoughtlessness,  he 
made  the  subject  of  conversation.  He  had  more  than 
once  uttered  certain  gallant  speeches  when  conversing 
with  the  niece,  until  her  uncle  and  herself  fancied  that 
he  actually  indulged  intentions  which  gave  them  both 
unfeigned  satisfaction.  To  Ferdinand's  great  joy,  he 
had  learned  that  he  could  not  only  derive  great  advan- 
tage from  his  father's  plan,  but  that  another  favourable 
project  would  enable  him  to  make  restitution  of  the 
money  he  had  withdrawn,  and  the  recollection  of  which 
pressed  hke  a  heavy  burden  upon  his  conscience.  He 
communicated  his  intentions  to  his  friend,  who  ten- 
dered, not  only  his  cordial  congratulations,  but  every 
possible  assistance  to  carry  out  his  views.  He  even 
proposed  to  furnish  his  young  friend  with  the  necessary 
merchandise  upon  credit,  a  part  of  which  offer  was 
thankfully  accepted  ;  some  portion  of  the  goods  being 
paid  for  with  what  money  Ferdinand  had  saved  from 
his  travelhng  expenses,  and  a  short  credit  being  taken 
for  the  remainder. 

"  It  would  be  difficult  to  describe  the  joy  with  which 
Ferdinand  prepared  for  his  return  home.  There  can 
be  no  greater  dehght  than  is  experienced  by  a  man 
who,  by  liis  own  unaided  resources,  frees  himself  from 
the  consequences  of  error.  Heaven  looks  down  with 
satisfaction  upon  such  a  spectacle ;  and  we  cannot 
deny  the  force  of  the  seeming  paradox  wliich  assures 
us  that  there  is  more  joy  before  God  over  one  return- 
ing sinner,  than  over  ninety-nine  just. 

"  But,  unfortunately,  neither  the  good  resolutions 
nor  the  repentance  and  improvement  of  Ferdinand 
could  remove  the  evil  consequences  of  his  crime,  which 
were  destined  once  more  to  disturb  and  agitate  his 
mind  with  the  most  painful  reflections.  The  storm 
had  gathered  during  his  absence,  and  it  was  destined  to 
burst  over  his  head  upon  his  return. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  333 

"  We  have  already  had  occasion  to  observe,  that 
Ferdiuaud's  father  was  most  irregular  hi  his  habits ; 
but  his  business  was  under  the  supermtendence  of 
a  clever  manager.  He  had  not  himself  missed  the 
money  which  had  been  aljstracted  by  his  son,  with 
the  exception  of  one  roll  of  foreign  money,  which  he 
had  won  from  a  stranger  at  play.  This  he  had  missed, 
and  the  circumstance  seemed  to  him  unaccountable. 
He  was  afterward  somewhat  surprised  to  perceive  that 
several  rolls  of  ducats  could  not  be  found,  money 
which  he  had  some  time  before  lent  to  a  friend,  but 
which  he  knew  had  been  repaid.  He  was  aware  of  the 
previous  insecurity  of  his  desk,  and  felt,  therefore,  con- 
vinced that  he  had  been  robbed.  This  feeling  rendered 
him  extremely  unhappy.  His  suspicions  fell  upon 
every  one.  In  anger  and  exasperation,  lie  related  the 
circumstance  to  his  wife.  The  entire  household  was 
thereupon  strictly  examined,  and  neither  servants  nor 
children  were  allowed  to  escape.  The  good  wife 
exerted  herself  to  trauquillise  her  husband :  she  repre- 
sented the  discredit  which  a  mere  report  of  this  cir- 
cumstance would  bring  upon  the  family ;  that  no  one 
would  sympathise  in  their  misfortune,  further  than  to 
humiliate  them  with  their  compassion  ;  that  neither  he 
nor  she  could  expect  to  escape  the  tongue  of  scandal ; 
that  strange  observations  would  be  made  if  the  thief 
should  remain  undiscovered ;  and  she  suggested,  that 
perhaps,  if  they  continued  silent,  they  might  recover 
their  lost  money  without  reducing  the  wretched  crimi- 
nal to  a  state  of  misery  for  Ufe.  In  this  manner  she 
prevailed  upon  her  husband  to  remain  quiet,  and  to 
investigate  the  affair  in  silence. 

"  But  the  discovery  was  unfortunately  soon  made. 
Ottilia's  aunt  had,  of  course,  been  informed  of  the 
engagement  of  the  young  couple.  She  had  heard  of 
the  presents  her  niece  had  received.  The  attachment 
was  not  approved  by  her,  and  she  had  only  maintained 


334  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

silence  in  consequence  of  her  niece's  absence.  She 
would  have  consented  to  her  manying  Ferdinand,  but 
she  did  not  like  uncertainty  on  such  a  subject ;  and  as 
she  knew  that  he  was  shortly  to  return,  and  her  niece 
was  expected  daily,  she  determined  to  inform  the 
parents  of  the  state  of  things,  to  inquire  their  opinion, 
to  ask  whether  Ferdinand  was  to  have  a  settlement, 
and  if  they  would  consent  to  the  marriage. 

"  The  mother  was  not  a  little  astonished  at  this 
information,  and  she  was  shocked  at  hearing  of  the 
presents  which  Ferdinand  had  made  to  Ottiha.  But 
she  concealed  her  surprise ;  and,  requesting  the  aunt  to 
allow  her  some  time  to  confer  with  her  husband,  she 
expressed  her  own  concurrence  in  the  intended  mar- 
riage, and  her  expectation  that  her  son  would  be 
advantageously  provided  for. 

"  The  aunt  took  her  leave,  but  Ferdinand's  mother 
did  not  deem  it  advisable  to  communicate  the  circum- 
stance to  her  husband.     She  now  had  to  undertake 
the  sad  duty  of  discovering  whether   Ferdinand  had 
purchased   Ottilia's  presents  with  the  stolen  money. 
She  went  straight  to  the  shopkeeper  who  dealt  in  such 
goods,  made  some  general  inquiries,  and  said  at  last, 
'  that    he    ought  not   to    overcharge   her,  particularly 
as  her  son,  who  had  bought  some  similar  articles,  had 
procured  them  from  him  at  a  more  reasonable  charge.' 
This  the  tradesman  denied,  producing  the  account,  and 
further  observing  that  he  had  even  added  something 
for   the   exchange ;    as    Ferdinand  had    paid    for    the 
goods  partly  in  foreign  money.     He  specified  the  exact 
nature   of   the   coin ;  and,   to   her   inexpressible  grief, 
it  was  the  very  same  which  had  been  stolen  from  her 
husband.     She    left    the    shop    with    sorrowful   heart. 
Ferdinand's  crime  was  but  too  evident.     The  sum  her 
husband  had  lost  was  large,  and  she  saw  in  all  its  force 
the  extent  of  the  crime  and  its  evil  results.     But  she 
had  prudence   enough  to  conceal  her  discovery.     She 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  335 

waited  for  the  return  of  her  sou,  with  feeliugs  of 
mingled  fear  and  auxiety.  Although  she  wished  for 
an  explanation,  she  dreaded  the  consequences  of  a 
further  inquiry. 

"At  length  he  arrived  in  tlu;  liighest  spirits,  lie 
expected  the  greatest  praise  from  the  manner  in  which 
he  transacted  his  business,  and  was  the  bearer  of  a 
sum  of  money  sufficient  to  make  compensation  for 
what  he  had  criminally  abstracted.  His  father  heard 
his  statement  with  pleasure,  but  did  not  manifest  so 
much  delight  as  the  son  expected.  His  late  losses  had 
irritated  his  temper ;  and  he  was  the  more  distressed, 
because  he  had  some  large  payments  to  make  at  the 
moment.  Ferdinand  felt  hurt  at  his  father's  depression 
of  mind,  and  liis  own  peace  was  further  disturbed  by 
the  sight  of  everything  around  him :  the  very  room  in 
which  he  was,  the  furniture,  and  the  sight  of  the  fatal 
desk,  those  silent  witnesses  of  his  crime,  spoke  loudly 
to  his  guilty  conscience.  His  satisfaction  was  at  an 
end.  He  shrunk  within  himself,  and  felt  like  a 
culprit, 

"  After  a  few  days'  delay  he  was  about  to  distract 
his  attention  from  these  thoughts  by  examining  the 
merchandise  he  had  ordered,  when  his  mother,  finding 
him  alone,  reproached  him  with  his  fault  in  a  tone  of 
affectionate  earnestness,  which  did  not  allow  the  small- 
est opportunity  for  prevarication.  He  was  overcome 
with  grief.  He  threw  himself  at  her  feet,  imploring 
her  forgiveness,  acknowledging  his  crime,  and  protest- 
ing that  notliing  but  his  affection  for  Ottilia  had  mis- 
led him :  he  assured  her,  in  conclusion,  that  it  was  the 
only  offence  of  the  kind  of  which  he  had  ever  been 
guilty.  He  related  the  circumstances  of  his  bitter 
repentance,  of  his  having  acquainted  his  father  with 
the  insecurity  of  his  desk,  and  finally  informed  her 
how,  by  personal  privations  and  a  fortunate  specula- 
tion, he  was  in  a  condition  to  make  restitution. 


336  THE    RECREATIONS   OF 

"  His  mother  heard  him  calmly,  but  insisted  on 
knowing  how  he  had  disposed  of  so  much  money ;  as 
the  presents  would  account  but  for  a  small  part  of  the 
sum  that  was  missing.  She  produced,  to  his  dismay, 
an  account  of  what  his  father  had  missed ;  but  he 
denied  having  taken,  even  so  much  silver :  the  missing 
gold  he  solenmly  protested  he  had  never  touched.  His 
mother  became  exasperated  at  this  denial.  She  rebuked 
him  his  attempting  to  deceive  her,  and  that  at  a  mo- 
ment when  he  laid  claim  to  the  virtue  of  repentance ; 
asserting  that  if  he  could  be  guilty  in  one  respect,  she 
must  doubt  his  innocence  in  another.  She  suggested 
that  he  might  perhaps  have  accomplices  amongst  his 
dissipated  companions,  that  perhaps  the  business  he 
had  carried  on  was  transacted  with  the  stolen  money, 
and  that  probably  he  would  have  confessed  nothing  if 
his  crime  had  not  been  accidentally  discovered.  She 
threatened  him  with  the  anger  of  his  father,  with 
judicial  punishment,  wdth  her  highest  displeasure ;  but 
nothing  affected  him  more  than  liis  learning  that  his 
projected  marriage  with  Ottilia  had  been  already  spoken 
of.  She  left  him  in  the  most  wretched  condition.  His 
real  crime  had  been  discovered,  and  he  was  suspected 
of  even  greater  guilt.  How  could  he  ever  persuade  his 
parents  that  he  had  not  stolen  the  gold  ?  He  dreaded 
the  pubhc  exposure  which  was  likely  to  result  from  his 
father's  ii-ritable  temper,  and  he  now  had  time  to  com- 
pare his  present  wretched  condition  with  the  happiness 
he  might  have  attained.  All  his  prospects  of  an  active 
life  and  of  a  marriage  with  Ottilia  were  at  an  end.  He 
saw  his  utter  wretchedness,  abandoned,  a  fugitive  in 
foreign  lands,  exposed  to  every  species  of  misfortune. 

"  But  these  reflections  were  not  the  worst  evil  he 
had  to  encounter ;  though  they  bewildered  his  mind, 
wounded  his  pride,  and  crushed  his  affections.  His 
most  severe  pangs  arose  from  the  thought,  that  his 
honest  resolution,  his  noble  intention  to  repair  the  past. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  337 

was  suspected,  repudiated,  and  denied.  And,  even  if 
these  thoughts  gave  birth  to  a  feehng  resenililing  de- 
spair, he  could  not  deny  that  he  had  deserved  liis  fate ; 
and  to  this  conviction  must  be  added  his  knowledge 
of  the  fatal  truth,  that  one  crime  is  suthcient  to  des- 
troy the  character  for  ever.  Such  meditations,  and  the 
appreliension  that  his  firmest  resolutions  of  amendment 
might  be  looked  upon  as  insincere,  made  life  itself  a 
burden. 

"  In  this  moment  of  abandonment  he  appealed  to 
Heaven  for  assistance.  He  sank  upon  his  knees,  and, 
moistening  the  ground  with  tears  of  contrition,  im- 
plored help  from  his  divine  Maker.  His  prayer  was 
wortliy  of  being  heard.  Man,  throwing  off  his  load  of 
crimes,  has  a  claim  upon  Heaven.  He  who  has  ex- 
hausted every  effort  of  his  own  may,  as  a  last  resource, 
appeal  to  God.  He  was  for  some  time  engaged  in 
earnest  prayer,  when  the  door  opened,  and  some  one 
entered  his  apartment.  It  was  his  mother,  who  ap- 
proached him  with  a  cheerful  look,  saw  his  agitation, 
and  addressed  him  with  consoling  w^ords.  '  How  happy 
I  am,'  she  said,  '  to  find  that  I  may  credit  your  asser- 
tions, and  regard  your  sorrow  as  sincere  !  The  missing 
pum  of  gold  has  been  found:  your  father,  when  he 
received  it  from  his  friend,  handed  it  to  his  secretary, 
who  forgot  the  circumstance  amid  the  numerous  trans- 
actions of  the  day.  And,  with  respect  to  the  silver, 
you  are  also  right ;  as  the  amount  taken  is  less  than 
I  had  supposed.  Unable  to  conceal  my  joy,  I 
promised  your  father  to  replace  the  missing  sum  if 
he  would  consent  to  forbear  making  any  further 
inquiry.' 

"  Ferdinand's  joy  was  indescribable.  He  completed 
at  once  his  business  arrangements,  gave  his  mother  the 
promised  money,  and  in  addition  replaced  the  amount 
whicli  his  father  had  lost  through  his  own  irregularity. 
He  became   gi-adually   more  cheerful  and   liappy,  but 


33^  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

the  whole  circumstance  produced  a  serious  impression 
upon  his  mind.  He  became  convinced  that  every  man 
has  povi^er  to  accomphsh  good,  and  that  our  divine 
Maker  will  infallibly  extend  to  him  his  assistance  in 
the  hour  of  trial,  —  a  truth  which  he  Mmself  had 
learned  from  late  experience.  He  now  unfolded  to  his 
father  his  plan  of  establisliing  himself  in  the  neighbour- 
hood from  which  he  had  lately  returned.  He  fully 
explained  the  nature  of  the  intended  business.  His 
father  consented  to  his  proposals,  and  his  mother  at  a 
proper  time  related  to  her  husband  the  attachment  of 
Ferdinand  to  Ottiha.  He  was  delighted  at  the  pros- 
pect of  having  so  charming  a  daughter-in-law,  and  felt 
additional  pleasure  at  the  idea  of  being  able  to  es- 
tablish his  son  without  the  necessity  of  incurring  much 
expense." 

"  I  like  this  story,"  said  Louisa,  when  the  old  clergy- 
man had  finished  his  tale ;  "  and  though  the  incidents 
are  taken  from  low  life,  yet  the  tone  is  sufficiently 
elevated  to  prove  agreeable.  And  it  seems  to  me,  that 
if  we  examine  ourselves,  or  observe  others,  we  shall 
find  that  men  are  seldom  influenced  by  their  own  re- 
flections, either  to  pursue  or  to  abandon  a  certain 
course,  but  are  generally  impelled  by  extraneous  cir- 
cumstances." 

"  I  wish  for  my  part,"  said  Charles,  "  that  we  were 
not  obliged  to  deny  ourselves  anything,  and  that  we 
had  no  knowledge  of  those  blessings  which  we  are  not 
allowed  to  possess.  But  unfortunately  we  walk  in  an 
orchard  where,  though  all  the  trees  are  loaded  with 
fruit,  we  are  compelled  to  leave  them  untouched,  to 
satisfy  ourselves  with  the  enjoyment  of  the  shade, 
and  forego  the  greatest  indulgence." 

"  Now,"  said  Louisa  to  the  clergyman,  "  let  us  hear 
the  rest  of  the  story." 

Clergyman.     It  is  finished. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  339 

Louisa.  The  denouement  may  be  finished,  but  we 
should  like  to  hear  the  end. 

Clenji/man.  Your  distinction  is  just;  and,  since 
you  seem  interested  in  the  fate  of  my  friend,  I  will 
tell  you  briefly  what  happened  to  him. 

"  Believed  from  the  oppressive  weight  of  so  dreadful 
a  crime,  and  enjoying  some  degree  of  satisfaction  at 
his  own  conduct,  his  thoughts  were  now  directed  to  his 
future  happiness;  and  he  expected  with  anxiety  the 
return  of  Ottilia,  that  he  might  explain  his  position, 
and  perform  the  promise  he  had  given  her.  She  came, 
accompanied  by  her  parents.  He  hastened  to  meet 
her,  and  found  her  more  beautifid  than  ever.  He 
waited  with  impatience  for  an  opportunity  of  speaking 
to  her  alone,  and  of  unfolding  all  his  future  projects. 
The  moment  arrived ;  and  wdth  a  heart  full  of  tender- 
ness and  love  he  spoke  of  his  hopes,  of  his  expectations 
of  happiness,  and  of  his  wish  to  share  it  with  her.  But 
what  was  his  surprise  and  astonishment  when  he  found 
that  she  heard  his  announcement  with  indifference 
and  even  with  contempt,  and  indulged  in  unpleasant 
jokes  about  the  hermitage  prepared  for  their  reception, 
and  the  interest  they  would  excite  by  enacting  the 
characters  of  shepherd  and  shepherdess  in  a  pastoral 
abode. 

"  Her  behaviour  occasioned  bitter  reflections.  He 
was  hurt  and  giieved  at  her  indifference.  She  had 
been  unjust  to  him,  and  he  now  began  to  observe 
faults  in  her  conduct  which  had  previously  escaped 
his  attention.  In  addition,  it  required  no  very  keen 
perception  to  remark  that  a  cousin,  who  had  accom- 
panied her,  had  made  an  impression  upon  her,  and  won 
a  large  portion  of  her  affections. 

"  But  Ferdinand  soon  perceived  the  necessity  of 
struggling  with  this  new  source  of  sorrow;  and,  as 
victory  had  attended  his  exertions  in  one  instance, 
he  hoped  to  be  successful  upon  a  second  occasion.     He 


34°  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

saw  Ottilia  frequently,  and  determined  to  observe  her 
closely.  His  couduct  toward  her  was  attentive  and 
affectionate,  and  her  deportment  was  of  a  similar 
nature ;  but  her  attractions  had  become  diminished 
for  him :  he  soon  found  that  her  professions  were  not 
cordial  or  sincere,  and  that  she  could  be  afiectionate 
and  cold,  attractive  and  repulsive,  charming  and  disa- 
greeable, according  to  the  mere  whim  of  the  moment. 
He  gradually  became  indifferent  to  her,  and  at  length 
resolved  to  break  the  last  hnk  of  their  connection. 

"  But  this  was  more  difficult  than  he  had  antici- 
pated. He  found  her  one  day  alone,  and  took  courage 
to  remind  her  of  their  engagement,  and  of  those  happy 
moments  in  which,  under  the  influence  of  the  most 
delightful  feelings,  they  had  discoursed  with  joyful 
anticipations  of  their  future  happiness.  She  was  in  a 
tender  mood,  and  he  began  to  hope  that  he  might  per- 
haps have  been  deceived  in  the  estimate  he  had  lately 
formed  of  her.  He  thereupon  began  to  describe  his 
worldly  prospects,  and  the  probable  success  of  his 
intended  establishment.  She  expressed  her  satisfac- 
tion, accompanied,  however,  with  regret  that  their 
union  must  on  this  account  be  postponed  still  longer. 
She  gave  him  to  understand  that  she  had  not  the  least 
wish  to  leave  the  pleasures  of  a  city  hfe,  but  expressed 
her  hopes  that  he  might  be  able,  after  some  years' 
active  industry  in  the  country,  to  return  home,  and 
become  a  citizen  of  consequence.  She  gave  him,  more- 
over, to  understand  that  she  expected  he  would  play 
a  more  respectable  and  honest  part  in  life  than  his 
father. 

"  Ferdinand  saw  plainly  that  he  could  expect  no 
happiness  from  such  a  union,  and  yet  he  felt  the  diffi- 
culty of  wholly  disengaging  himself.  In  this  state  of 
mind  he  would  probably  have  parted  from  her  in 
uncertainty  about  the  future,  had  he  not  been  finally 
influenced  by  the  conduct  of  Ottiha's  cousin,  toward 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  341 

whom  he  thought  she  displayed  too  much  tenderness. 
Ferdinand,  thereupon,  wrote  a  letter  assuring  her  that 
it  was  still  in  lier  power  to  make  him  happy,  but  that 
it  could  not  be  advisable  to  encourage  indefinite  hopes, 
or  to  enter  into  engagements  for  an  uncertain  future. 

"  He  trusted  that  this  letter  would  produce  a  favour- 
able answer ;  but  he  received  a  reply  which  his  heart 
deplored,  but  which  his  judgment  approved.  She 
released  him  from  his  promise,  without  rejec^ting  his 
love,  and  adverted  to  her  own  feelings  in  the  same 
ambiguous  manner.  She  was  still  bound  by  the  sense 
of  her  letter,  but  free  by  its  Hteral  meaning.  But  why 
should  T  delay  communicating  the  inevitable  result  ? 
Ferdinand  hastened  back  to  the  peaceful  abode  he  had 
left,  aud  formed  his  determination  at  once.  He  be- 
came attentive  and  diligent  in  business,  and  was 
encouraged  in  this  course  by  the  affections  of  the 
kind  being  of  whom  we  have  already  spoken,  and  the 
exertions  of  her  uncle  to  employ  every  means  in  his 
power  to  render  them  happy.  I  knew  him  afterward, 
when  he  was  surrounded  by  a  numerous  and  pros- 
perous family.  He  related  his  own  story  to  me  him- 
self ;  and,  as  it  often  happens  with  individuals  whose 
early  hfe  has  been  marked  ])y  some  uncommon  acci- 
dent, his  own  adventures  had  become  so  indehbly 
impressed  upon  his  mind,  that  they  exerted  a  deep 
influence  on  his  conduct.  Even  as  a  man  and  as  a 
father,  he  constantly  denied  himself  the  enjoyment  of 
many  gratifications  in  order  not  to  forget  the  practice 
of  self-restraint ;  and  the  whole  course  of  his  children's 
education  was  founded  upon  this  principle,  that  they 
must  accustom  themselves  to  a  frequent  denial  of  their 
most  ardent  desires. 

"  I  once  had  an  opportunity  of  witnessing  an  in- 
stance of  the  system  he  adopted.  One  of  his  children 
was  about  to  eat  something  at  table,  of  whicli  he  was 
particularly   fond.     His  father  forbade  it,  apparently 


342  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

without  reason.  To  my  astonishment,  the  child  obeyed 
with  the  utmost  cheerfuhiess ;  and  dinner  proceeded 
as  if  nothing  had  occurred.  And,  in  this  manner,  even 
the  eldest  members  of  the  family  often  allowed  a 
tempting  dish  of  fruit  or  some  other  dainty  to  pass 
them  untasted.  But,  notwithstanding  this,  a  general 
freedom  reigned  in  his  house ;  and  there  was  at  times 
a  sufficient  display,  both  of  good  and  bad  conduct. 
But  Ferdinand  was  for  the  most  part  indifferent  to 
what  occurred,  and  allowed  an  almost  unrestrained 
license.  At  times,  however,  when  a  certain  week 
came  about,  orders  were  given  for  precise  punctuahty, 
the  clocks  were  regulated  to  the  second,  every  member 
of  the  family  received  his  orders  for  the  day,  business 
and  pleasure  had  their  turn,  and  no  one  dared  to  be  a 
single  second  in  arrear.  I  could  detain  you  for  hours 
in  describing  his  conversation  and  remarks  on  this 
extraordinary  system  of  education.  He  was  accus- 
tomed to  jest  with  me  upon  my  vows  as  a  Catholic 
priest,  and  maintained  that  every  man  should  make  a 
vow  to  practise  self-restraint,  as  well  as  to  require 
obedience  from  others ;  but  he  observed  that  the  exer- 
cise of  these  vows,  in  place  of  being  perpetually  de- 
manded, was  suitable  only  for  certain  occasions." 

The  baroness  observed,  that  she  thought  Ferdinand 
was  perfectly  right ;  and  she  compared  the  authority 
of  a  parent  to  the  executive  power  in  a  kingdom, 
which  being  weak,  the  legislative  authority  can  be  of 
little  avail. 

At  this  moment  Louisa  rushed  hastily  to  the  win- 
dow, having  heard  Frederick  ride  past.  She  ran  to 
meet  him,  and  accompanied  him  into  the  parlour.  He 
seemed  cheerful,  notwithstanding  his  just  having  come 
from  a  scene  of  trouble  and  distress.  In  place  of 
entering  into  a  detailed  description  of  the  fire  which 
had  seized  the  house  of  his  aunt,  he  assured  the  com- 
pany that  he  had  established  beyond  doubt  the  fact 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  343 

that  the  desk  there  had  been  Imrned  at  the  very  same 
time  when  theirs  had  been  split  asunder  in  so  strange 
a  manner. 

He  stated,  that,  when  the  fire  approached  the  room 
where  the  desk  was,  one  of  the  servants  saved  a  ckjck 
which  stood  upon  it ;  that,  in  carry  hi  g  it  out,  some 
accident  had  happened  to  the  works,  and  it  had 
stopped  at  half-past  eleven ;  and  thus  the  coincidence 
of  time  was  placed  beyond  all  question.  The  baroness 
smiled ;  and  the  tutor  observed,  that,  although  two 
things  might  agree  in  some  particulars,  we  were  not 
therefore  justified  in  inferring  their  mutual  depend- 
ence. But  Louisa  took  pleasure  in  believing  the  con- 
nection of  these  two  circumstances,  particularly  as  she 
had  received  intelhgence  that  her  intended  was  quite 
well ;  and,  as  to  the  rest  of  the  company,  they  gave 
full  scope  to  the  flight  of  their  imagination. 

Charles  inquired  of  the  clergyman  whether  he  knew 
a  fairy  tale.  "  The  imagination,"  he  observed,  "  is  a 
divine  gift ;  but  I  do  not  like  to  see  it  employed  about 
the  actualities  of  life.  The  airy  forms  to  which  it 
gives  birth  are  delightful  to  contemplate,  if  we  view 
them  as  beings  of  a  peculiar  order;  but,  connected 
with  truth,  they  become  prodigies,  and  are  disapproved 
by  our  reason  and  judgment.  The  imagination,"  he 
continued,  "  should  not  deal  in  facts,  nor  be  employed 
to  establish  facts.  Its  proper  province  is  art;  and 
there  its  influence  should  be  like  that  of  music,  which 
awakens  our  emotions,  and  makes  us  forget  the  cause 
by  which  they  are  called  forth." 

"Continue,"  said  the  old  clergyman,  "and  explain 
still  further  your  view  of  the  proper  attributes  of 
imaginative  works.  Another  property  is  essential  to 
their  enjoyment,  —  that  the  exercise  of  imagination 
should  be  voluntary.  It  can  effect  nothing  by  com- 
pulsion :  it  must  wait  for  the  moment  of  inspiration. 
Without   design,  and   without    any  settled    course,  it 


344  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

soars  aloft  upon  its  own  pinions,  and,  as  it  is  borne 
forward,  leaves  a  trace  of  its  wonderful  and  devious 
course.  But  you  must  allow  me  to  take  my  accus- 
tomed walk,  that  I  may  awaken  in  my  soul  the  sweet 
fancies  which,  in  former  years,  were  accustomed  to 
enchant  me.  I  promise  to  relate  a  fairy  tale  this  even- 
ing that  will  amuse  you  all." 

They  at  once  consented,  particularly  as  they  all 
hoped  in  the  meantime  to  hear  the  news  of  which 
Frederick  was  the  bearer. 


A   FAIRY    TALE. 

Wearied  with  the  labours  of  the  day,  an  old  Ferry- 
man lay  asleep  in  his  hut,  on  the  bank  of  a  wide  river, 
which  the  late  heavy  rains  had  swollen  to  an  unprec- 
edented height.  In  the  middle  of  the  night  he  was 
awakened  by  a  loud  cry :  he  listened ;  it  was  the  call 
of  some  travellers  who  wished  to  be  ferried  over. 

Upon  opening  the  door,  he  was  surprised  to  see  two 
Will-o'-the-wisps  dancing  round  his  boat,  which  was 
still  secured  to  its  moorings.  Speaking  with  human 
voices,  they  assured  him  that  they  were  in  the  greatest 
possible  hurry,  and  wished  to  be  carried  instantly  to 
the  other  side  of  the  river.  Without  losing  a  moment, 
the  old  Ferryman  pushed  off,  and  rowed  across  with 
his  usual  dexterity.  During  the  passage  the  strangers 
whispered  together  in  an  unknown  language,  and  sev- 
eral times  burst  into  loud  laughter  ;  whilst  they  amused 
themselves  with  dancing  upon  the  sides  and  seats  of 
the  boat,  and  cutting  fantastic  capers  at  the  bottom. 

"  The  boat  reels,"  cried  the  old  man ;  "  and,  if  you 
continue  so  restless,  it  may  upset.  Sit  down,  you 
Will-o'-the-wisps." 

They  burst  into  loud  laughter  at  this  command, 
ridiculed  the  boatman,  and  became  more  troublesome 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  345 

than  ever.  But  he  bore  their  annoyance  patiently, 
and  they  soon  reached  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river. 

"  Here  is  souietliing  for  your  trouble,"  said  the  pas- 
sengers, shaking  themselves,  when  a  number  of  glitter- 
ing gold  pieces  fell  into  the  boat.  "  ^\llat  are  you 
doing  ? "  cried  the  old  man :  "  some  misfortune  will 
happen  should  a  single  piece  of  gold  fall  into  the 
water.  The  river,  wbich  has  a  strong  antipathy  to 
gold,  would  become  fearfully  agitated,  and  swallow 
both  me  and  my  boat.  Who  can  say  even  what 
might  ha])pen  to  yourselves  ?  I  pray  you  take  back 
your  gold." 

"  We  can  take  nothing  back  which  we  have  once 
shaken  from  our  persons,"  answered  one  of  them. 

"  Then,  I  shall  be  compelled,"  replied  the  old  boat- 
man, as  he  stooped,  and  collected  the  gold  in  his  cap, 
"  to  take  it  to  the  shore  and  bury  it." 

The  Will-o'-the-wisps  had  in  the  meantime  leaped 
out  of  the  boat,  upon  which  the  old  man  cried,  "  Pay 
me  my  fare." 

"  The  man  who  refuses  gold  must  work  for  nothing," 
answered  the  Will-o'-the-wisps. 

"  My  payment  must  consist  of  fruits  of  the  earth," 
rejoined  the  Ferryman. 

"  Fruits  of  the  earth  ?  We  despise  them :  they  are 
not  food  for  us." 

"But  you  shall  not  depart,"  replied  the  Ferryman, 
"  till  you  have  given  me  three  cauliflowers,  three  arti- 
chokes, and  three  large  onions." 

The  Will-o'-the-wisps  were  in  the  act  of  running 
away,  with  a  laugh,  when  they  felt  themselves  in  some 
inexplicable  manner  fixed  to  the  earth :  they  had 
never  experienced  so  strange  a  sensation.  They  then 
promised  to  pay  the  demand  without  delay,  upon  which 
the  Ferryman  released  them,  and  instantly  pushed  off 
with  his  boat. 

He  was  already  far  away,  when  they  called  after 


346  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

liim,  "  Old  man  !  listen :  we  have  forgotten  something 
important ; "  but  he  heard  them  not,  and  continued  his 
course.  When  he  had  reached  a  point  lower  down,  on 
the  same  side  of  the  river,  he  came  to  some  rocks 
which  the  water  was  unable  to  reach,  and  proceeded  to 
bury  the  dangerous  gold.  Observing  a  deep  cleft 
which  opened  between  two  rocks,  he  threw  the  gold 
into  it,  and  returned  to  his  dwelling.  This  cleft  was 
inhabited  by  a  beautiful  green  Dragon,  who  was 
awakened  from  her  sleep  by  the  sound  of  the  falling 
money.  At  the  very  first  appearance  of  the  glittering 
pieces,  she  devoured  them  greedily,  then  searched 
about  carefully  in  hopes  of  finding  such  other  coins  as 
might  have  fallen  accidentally  amongst  the  briers,  or 
between  the  fissures  of  the  rocks. 

The  Dragon  immediately  felt  overpowered  with  the 
most  delightful  sensations,  and  perceived  vdth  joy  that 
she  became  suddenly  shining  and  transpai-ent.  She 
had  been  long  aware  that  this  change  was  possible ; 
but,  entertaining  some  doubt  whether  the  brilliance 
would  continue,  she  felt  impelled  by  curiosity  to  leave 
her  dwelhng,  and  ascertain,  if  possiljle,  to  whom  she 
was  indebted  for  the  beautiful  gold.  She  found  no  one  ; 
but  she  became  lost  in  admiration  of  herself,  and  of  the 
brdhant  Hght  which  illumined  her  path  through  the 
thick  underwood,  and  shed  its  rays  over  the  surrounding 
green.  The  leaves  of  the  trees  glittered  like  emeralds, 
and  the  flowers  shone  with  glorious  hues.  In  vara  did 
she  penetrate  the  solitary  wilderness ;  but  hope  dawned 
when  she  reached  the  plains,  and  observed  at  a  distance 
a  light  resembling  her  own.  "  Have  I  at  last  dis- 
covered my  fellow  ? "  she  exclaimed,  and  hastened  to 
the  spot.  She  found  no  obstacle  from  bog  or  morass ; 
for  though  the  dry  meadow  and  the  high  rock  were  her 
dearest  habitations,  and  though  she  loved  to  feed  upon 
the  spicy  root,  and  to  quench  her  thirst  with  the  crys- 
tal dew,  and  with  fresh  water  from  the  spring,  yet,  for 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  347 

the  sake  of  her  beloved  gold  and  of  her  glorious  hght, 
she  was  willing  to  encounter  every  privation. 

Wearied  and  exhausted,  she  reached  at  length  the 
confines  of  a  wide  morass,  where  our  two  Will-o'-the- 
wisps  were  amusing  themselves  in  playing  fantastic 
antics.  She  made  toward  them,  and,  saluting  them, 
expressed  her  delight  at  being  able  to  claim  relation- 
shij)  with  such  charming  personages.  The  lights 
played  around  her,  skipped  from  side  to  side,  and 
laughed  about  in  their  own  peculiar  fashion.  "  Dear 
aunt ! "  they  exclaimed,  "  what  does  it  signify,  even 
though  you  are  of  horizontal  form  ?  we  are  related  at 
least  through  brilliancy.  I>ut  look  how  well  a  tall, 
slender  figure  becomes  us  gentry  of  the  vertical 
shape ; "  and,  so  saying,  both  the  lights  compressed 
their  breadth  together,  and  shot  up  into  a  tliin  and 
pointed  line.  "  Do  not  be  offended,  dear  friend,"  they 
continued  ;  "  but  what  family  can  boast  of  a  privilege 
hke  ours  ?  Since  the  first  Will-o'-the-wisp  was  created, 
none  of  our  race  have  ever  been  obliged  to  sit  down  or 
to  take  repose." 

But  all  this  time  the  feelings  of  the  Dragon  in  the 
presence  of  her  relations  were  anything  but  pleasant : 
for,  exalt  her  head  as  high  as  she  would,  she  was  com- 
pelled to  stoop  to  earth  again  when  she  wished  to 
advance ;  and,  though  she  was  proud  of  the  brilhancy 
which  she  shed  round  her  own  dark  abode,  she  felt  her 
light  gi-adually  diminish  in  the  presence  of  her  relatives, 
and  began  to  fear  that  it  might  finally  be  extinguished. 

In  her  perplexity  she  hastily  inquired  whether  the 
gentlemen  could  inform  her  whence  the  shining  gold 
had  come,  which  had  lately  fallen  into  the  cleft  of  the 
rocks  hard  by ;  as  in  her  opinion  it  was  a  precious 
shower  from  heaven.  The  Will-o'-the-wisps  immedi- 
ately shook  themselves  (at  the  same  time  laughing 
loudly),  and  a  deluge  of  gold  pieces  at  once  flowed 
around.     The  Dragon  devoured  them  gi-eedily.     "  We 


348  THE    RECREATIONS   OF 

hope  you  like  them,  dear  aunt,"  shouted  the  shining 
Will-o'-the-wisps  ;  "  we  can  supply  you  with  any  quan- 
tity : "  and  they  shook  themselves  with  such  copious 
efiect,  that  the  Dragon  found  it  difficult  to  swallow  the 
bright  dainties  with  sufficient  speed.  Her  brilhancy 
increased  as  the  gold  disappeared,  till  at  length  she 
shone  with  inconceivable  radiance ;  while  in  the  same 
proportion  the  Will-o'-the-wisps  grew  thin  and  taper- 
ing, without,  however,  losing  the  smallest  iota  of  their 
cheerful  humour. 

"  I  am  under  eternal  obligations  to  you,"  said  the 
Dragon,  pausing  to  breathe  from  her  voracious  meal : 
"  ask  of  me  what  you  please ;  I  will  give  you  anything 
you  demand." 

"  A  bargain  ! "  answered  the  Will-o'-the-wisps  :  "  tell 
us,  then,  where  the  beautiful  Lily  dwells.  Lead  us  to 
her  palace  and  gardens  without  delay :  we  die  of  im- 
patience to  cast  ourselves  at  her  feet." 

"  You  ask  a  favour,"  repHed  the  Dragon,  with  a  deep 
sigh,  "  which  it  is  not  in  my  power  so  quickly  to  be- 
stow. The  beautiful  Lily  lives,  unfortunately,  on  the 
opposite  bank  of  the  river.  We  cannot  cross  over  on 
this  stormy  night." 

"  Cruel  river,  which  separates  us  from  the  object  of 
our  desires  !  But  cannot  we  call  back  the  old  Ferry- 
man ? "  said  they. 

"  Your  wish  is  vain,"  answered  the  Dragon :  "  for, 
even  were  you  to  meet  him  on  this  bank,  he  would 
refuse  to  take  you ;  as,  though  he  can  convey  passen- 
gers to  this  side  of  the  stream,  he  can  carry  no  one 
back." 

"  Bad  news,  indeed !  but  are  there  no  other  means  of 
crossing  the  river  ?  " 

"  There  are,  but  not  at  this  moment :  I  myself  can 
take  you  over  at  mid-day." 

"  That  is  an  hour,"  rephed  the  Will-o'-the-wisps, 
"  when  we  do  not  usually  travel." 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  349 

"  Then,  you  had  better  postpone  your  intention  till 
evening,  when  you  nuiy  cross  in  tlie  Giant's  shadow." 

"  How  is  that  managed  ?  "  they  inquired. 

"  The  Giant,"  replied  the  Dragon,  "  who  Uves  hard 
by,  is  powerless  with  his  body :  his  hands  are  incapa- 
ble of  raising  even  a  straw,  his  shoulders  can  bear  no 
burden ;  but  his  shadow  accomplishes  all  for  him. 
For  this  reason  he  is  most  powerful  at  sunrise  and  at 
sunset.  At  the  hour  of  evening  the  Giant  will  ap- 
proach the  river  softly ;  and,  if  you  place  yourself 
upon  his  shadow,  it  will  carry  you  over.  Meet  me  at 
mid-day,  at  the  corner  of  the  wood,  where  the  trees 
hang  over  the  river,  when  I  myself  will  take  you 
across,  and  introduce  you  to  the  beautiful  Lily. 
Should  you,  however,  shrink  from  the  noonday  heat, 
your  only  alternative  is  to  apply  to  the  Giant,  when 
evening  casts  its  shadows  around ;  and  he  will  no 
doubt  prove  obliging." 

With  a  gi-aceful  salutation  the  young  gentlemen  took 
their  leave ;  and  the  Dragon  rejoiced  at  their  depar- 
ture, partly  that  she  might  indulge  her  feelings  of 
pleasure  at  her  own  light,  and  partly  that  she  might 
satisfy  a  curiosity  by  which  she  had  long  been  tor- 
mented. 

In  the  clefts  of  the  rocks  where  she  dwelt,  she  had 
lately  made  a  wonderful  discovery ;  for,  although  she 
had  been  obliged  to  crawl  through  these  chasms  in 
darkness,  she  had  learned  to  distinguish  every  object 
by  feeUng.  The  productions  of  Nature,  which  she  was 
accustomed  everywhere  to  encounter,  were  all  of  an 
irregular  kind.  At  one  time  she  wound  her  way 
amongst  the  points  of  enormous  crystals,  at  another  she 
was  for  a  moment  impeded  by  the  veins  of  solid  silver, 
and  many  were  the  precious  stones  which  her  light 
discovered  to  her.  But,  to  her  great  astonishment,  she 
had  encountered  in  a  rock,  which  was  securely  closed 
on  all  sides,  objects  which  betrayed  the  plastic  hand  of 


3SO  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

man.  Smooth  walls,  which  she  was  unable  to  ascend ; 
sharp,  regular  angles,  tapermg  columns  ;  and,  what  was 
even  more  wonderful,  human  figures,  round  which  she 
had  often  entwined  herself,  and  which  appeared  to  her 
to  be  formed  of  brass  or  of  polished  marble.  She  was 
now  anxious  to  behold  all  these  objects  with  her  eyes, 
and  to  confirm,  by  her  own  observation,  what  she  had 
hitherto  but  suspected.  She  now  thought  herself 
capable  of  illumining  with  her  own  hght  these  won- 
derful subterranean  caverns,  and  indulged  the  hope  of 
becoming  thoroughly  acquainted  with  these  astonish- 
ing mysteries.  She  delayed  not,  and  quickly  found  the 
opening  through  which  she  was  accustomed  to  pene- 
trate into  the  sanctuary. 

Arrived  at  the  place,  she  looked  round  with  wonder ; 
and  though  her  brilliancy  was  unable  to  light  the 
entire  cavern,  yet  many  of  the  objects  were  sufficiently 
distinct.  With  astonishment  and  awe,  she  raised  her 
eyes  to  an  illumined  niche,  in  which  stood  the  statue 
of  a  venerable  King,  of  pure  gold.  In  size  the  statue 
was  colossal,  but  the  figure  was  rather  that  of  a  little 
than  of  a  great  man.  His  well-turned  limbs  were 
covered  with  a  simple  robe,  and  liis  head  was  encircled 
by  an  oaken  garland. 

Scarcely  had  the  Dragon  beheld  this  venerable  form, 
when  the  King  found  utterance,  and  said,  "  How  comest 
thou  hither  ? " 

"Through  the  cleft,"  answered  the  Dragon,  "in 
which  the  gold   abides." 

"  What  is  nobler  than  gold  ? "  asked  the  King. 

"  Light,"  rephed  the  Dragon. 

"And  what  is  more  vivid  than  light  ? "  continued  the 
Monarch. 

"  Speech,"  said  the  Serpent. 

During  this  conversation  the  Dragon  had  looked 
stealthily  around,  and  observed  another  noble  statue  in 
an    adjoining    niche.      A    silver    King    sat    there    en- 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  35  ^ 

throned,  of  figure  tall  and  slender:  his  limbs  were 
enveloped  in  an  embroidered  mantle ;  liis  crown  and 
sceptre  were  adorned  witli  iirecious  stones ;  his  counte- 
nance wore  the  serene  dignity  of  pride ;  and  he  seemed 
about  to  speak,  when  a  dark  vein,  which  ran  through 
the  marble  of  the  wall,  suddenly  became  brilUant,  and 
cast  a  soft  light  through  the  whole  temple.  Tliis  light 
discovered  a  third  Khig,  whose  mighty  form  was  cast 
in  brass:  he  leaned  upon  a  massive  clult,  his  head  was 
crowned  with  laurels ;  and  his  proportions  resembled  a 
rock  rather  than  a  human  being. 

The  Dragon  felt  a  desire  to  approach  a  fourth  King, 
who  stood  before  her  at  a  distance ;  Ijut  the  wall  sud- 
denly opened,  the  illumined  vein  flashed  like  lightning, 
and  became  as  suddenly  extinguished. 

A  man  of  middle  stature  now  approached.  He  was 
clad  in  the  garb  of  a  peasant :  in  liis  hand  he  bore  a 
lamp,  the  flame  of  which  it  was  delightful  to  behold, 
and  which  hghtened  the  entire  dwelling,  without 
leaving  the  trace  of   a  shadow. 

"Why  dost  thou  come,  since  we  have  already 
light?"  asked  the  Golden  King. 

"  You  know  that  I  can  shed  no  ray  on  what  is 
dark,"  repUed  the  old  man. 

"  Will  my  kingdom  end  ? "  inquired  the  Silver 
Monarch. 

"  Late  or  never,"  answered  the  other. 

The  Brazen  King  then  asked,  with  voice  of  thunder, 
"  When  shall  I  arise  ? " 

"  Soon,"  was  the  reply. 

"With  whom  shall  I  be  united?"  continued  the 
former. 

"  With  thine  elder  brother,"  answered  the  latter. 

"  And  what  wall  become  of  the  youngest  ? " 

"  He  will  repose." 

"  I  am  not  weary,"  interrupted  the  fourth  King,  with 
a  deep  l.)ut  faltering  voice. 


352  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

During  this  conversation  the  Dragon  had  wound  her 
way  softly  through  the  temple,  surveyed  everything 
which  it  contained,  and  approached  the  niche  in  which 
the  fourth  King  stood.  He  leaned  against  a  pillar,  and 
his  handsome  countenance  bore  traces  of  melancholy. 
It  was  difficult  to  distinguish  the  metal  of  which  the 
statue  was  composed.  It  resembled  a  mixture  of  the 
three  metals  of  which  his  brothers  were  formed,  but  it 
seemed  as  if  the  materials  had  not  thoroughly  blended  ; 
as  the  veins  of  gold  and  silver  crossed  each  other 
irregularly  through  the  brazen  mass,  and  destroyed  the 
effect  of  the  whole. 

The  Golden  King  now  asked,  "How  many  secrets 
dost  thou  know  ? " 

"  Three,"  was  the  reply. 

"  And  which  is  the  most  important  ?  "  inquired  the 
Silver  King. 

"  The  revealed,"  answered  the  old  man. 

"Wilt  thou  explain  it  to   us?"    asked   the   Brazen 

King. 

«  When  I  have  learned  the  fourth,"  was  the  response. 

"  I  care  not,"  murmured  he  of  the  strange  compound. 

"  I  know  the  fourth,"  interrupted  the  Dragon,  ap- 
proaching the  old  man,  and  whispering  in  his  ear. 

"  The  time  is  come,"  exclaimed  the  latter,  with 
tremendous  voice.  The  sounds  echoed  through  the 
temple;  the  statues  rang  again:  and  in  the  same 
instant  the  old  man  disappeared  toward  the  west,  and 
the  Dragon  toward  the  east ;  and  both  pierced  instantly 
through  the  impediments  of  the  rock. 

Every  passage  through  which  the  old  man  bent  his 
course  became  immediately  filled  with  gold ;  for  the 
lamp  which  he  carried  possessed  the  wonderful  prop- 
erty of  converting  stones  into  gold,  wood  into  silver, 
and  dead  animals  into  jewels.  But,  in  order  to  pro- 
duce this  effect,  it  was  necessary  that  no  other  light 
should  be  near.     In  the  presence  of  another  light  the 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  353 

lamp  merely  emitted  a  soft  illumiuatiou,  which,  how- 
ever, gave  joy  to  every  living  thing. 

The  old  man  returned  to  his  hut  on  the  brow  of  the 
hill,  and  found  liis  wife  iu  the  greatest  sorrow.  She 
was  seated  at  the  fire,  her  eyes  filled  with  tears ;  and 
she  refused  all  consolation. 

"  What  a  misfortune,"  she  exclaimed,  "  that  I  allowed 
you  to  leave  home  to-day  ! " 

"  What  has  happened  ?  "  answered  the  old  man,  very 
quietly. 

"  You  were  scarcely  gone,"  replied  she  with  sobs, 
"before  two  rude  travellers  came  to  the  door:  un- 
fortunately I  admitted  them  ;  as  they  seemed  good, 
worthy  people.  They  were  attired  like  flames,  and 
might  have  passed  for  Wni-o'-the-wisps ;  but  they  had 
scarcely  entered  the  house  before  they  commenced 
their  flatteries,  and  became  at  length  so  importunate 
that  I  blush  to  recollect  their  conduct." 

"  Well,"  said  the  old  man,  smiling,  "  the  gentlemen 
were  only  amusing  themselves ;  and,  at  your  age,  you 
should  have  considered  it  as  the  display  of  ordinary 
pohteness." 

"  My  age  ! "  rejoined  the  old  woman.  "  Will  you 
for  ever  remind  me  of  my  age  ?  how  old  am  I,  then  ? 
And  ordinary  pohteness !  But  I  can  tell  you  some- 
thing :  look  round  at  the  walls  of  our  hut :  you  will 
now  be  able  to  see  the  old  stones,  which  have  been 
concealed  for  more  than  a  hundred  years.  These 
visitors  extracted  all  the  gold  more  quickly  than  I  can 
tell  you,  and  they  assured  me  that  it  was  of  capital 
flavour.  Wlien  they  had  completely  cleared  the  walls, 
they  grew  cheerful ;  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  their  persons 
became  tall,  broad,  and  shining.  They  thereupon  again 
commenced  their  tricks,  and  repeated  their  flatteries, 
calling  me  a  queen.  They  shook  themselves,  and  im- 
mediately a  profusion  of  gold  pieces  fell  on  all  sides. 
You  may  see  some  of  them  still  glittering  on  the  floor ; 


354  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

but  a  calamity  soon  occurred.  Our  dog  Mops  swallowed 
some  of  them ;  and,  see !  he  lies  dead  in  the  chimney- 
corner.  Poor  animal !  his  death  afflicts  me.  I  did  not 
observe  it  till  they  had  departed,  otherwise  I  should 
not  have  promised  to  pay  the  Ferryman  the  debt  they 
owed  him." 

"  How  much  do  they  owe  ? "  inquired  the  old  man. 

"  Three  cauliflowers,"  answered  his  wdfe,  "  three  arti- 
chokes, and  three  onions.  I  have  promised  to  take 
them  to  the  river  at  break  of  day." 

"  You  had  better  oblige  them,"  said  the  old  man, 
"and  they  may  perhaps  serve  us  in  time  of  need." 

"  I  know  not  if  they  will  keep  their  word,"  said  she, 
"  but  they  promised  and  vowed  to  serve  us." 

The  fire  had,  in  the  meantime,  died  away ;  but  the 
old  man  covered  the  cinders  with  ashes,  put  away  the 
shining  gold  pieces,  and  lighted  his  lamp  afresh.  In 
the  glorious  illumination  the  walls  became  covered 
with  gold,  and  Mops  was  transformed  into  the  most 
beautiful  onyx  that  was  ever  beheld.  The  variety  of 
colour  which  glittered  through  the  costly  gem  produced 
a  splendid  effect. 

"  Take  your  basket,"  said  the  old  man,  "  and  place 
the  onyx  in  it.  Then  collect  the  three  cauliflowers, 
the  three  artichokes,  and  the  three  onions,  lay  them 
together,  and  carry  them  to  the  river.  The  Dragon 
will  bear  you  across  at  mid-day  :  then  visit  the  beauti- 
ful Lily ;  her  touch  will  give  life  to  the  onyx,  as  her 
touch  gives  death  to  every  living  thing ;  and  it  will  be 
to  her  an  affectionate  friend.  Tell  her  not  to  mourn ; 
that  her  deliverance  is  nigh ;  that  she  must  consider  a 
great  misfortune  as  her  greatest  blessing,  for  the  time 
is  come." 

The  old  woman  prepared  her  basket,  and  set  forth  at 
break  of  day.  The  rising  sun  shone  brightly  over  the 
river,  which  gleamed  in  the  far  distance.  The  old 
woman    journeyed  slowly  on,  for  the  weight    of   the 


THH    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  355 

basket  oppressed  her;  but  it  did  not  arise  from  the 
onyx.  Nothing'  lifeless  proved  a  burden;  for,  when 
the  basket  couLained  dead  things,  it  rose  aloft,  and 
floated  over  her  head.  But  a  fresh  vegetable,  or  the 
smallest  living  creature,  induced  fatigue.  She  had 
toiled  along  for  some  distance,  when  she  started,  and 
suddenly  stood  still ;  for  she  had  nearly  placed  her 
foot  upon  the  shadow  of  the  Giant,  wliich  was  advanc- 
ing toward  her  from  the  plain.  Her  eye  now  perceived 
his  monstrous  bulk :  he  had  just  bathed  in  the  river, 
and  was  coming  out  of  the  water.  She  knew  not  how 
to  avoid  him.  He  saw  her,  saluted  her  jestingly,  and 
thrust  the  hand  of  his  shadow  into  her  basket.  With 
dexterity  he  stole  a  cauliflower,  an  artichoke,  and 
an  onion,  and  raised  them  to  his  mouth.  He  then 
proceeded  on  his  course  up  the  stream,  and  left  the 
woman  alone. 

She  considered  whether  it  would  not  be  better  to 
return,  and  supply  the  missing  vegetables  from  her 
own  garden ;  and,  lost  in  these  reflections,  she  went 
on  her  way  until  she  arrived  at  the  bank  of  the  river 
She  sat  down,  and  awaited  for  a  long  time  the  arrival 
of  the  Ferryman.  He  appeared  at  length,  having  in 
his  boat  a  traveller  whose  air  was  mysterious.  A 
handsome  youth,  of  noble  aspect,  stepped  on  shore. 

"  What  have  you  brought  with  you  ? "  said  the  old 
man. 

"  The  vegetables,"  replied  the  woman,  "  wliich  the 
Will-o'-the-wisps  owe  you  ; "  pointing  to  the  contents  of 
her  basket. 

But  when  he  found  that  there  were  but  two  of  each 
kind,  he  became  angry,  and  refused  to  take  them. 

The  woman  implored  him  to  relent,  assuring  him 
that  she  could  not  then  return  home ;  as  she  had  f  oimd 
her  burden  heavy,  and  she  had  still  a  long  way  to  go. 
But  he  was  obstinate,  maintaining  that  the  decision  did 
not  depend  upon  him. 


356  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

"  I  am  obliged  to  collect  my  gains  for  nine  hours," 
said  he,  "  and  I  can  keep  nothing  for  myself  till  I  have 
paid  a  third  part  to  the  river." 

At  length,  after  much  contention,  he  told  her  there 
was  still  a  remedy. 

"  If  you  give  security  to  the  river,  and  acknowledge 
your  debt,  I  will  take  the  six  articles ;  though  such  a 
course  is  not  devoid  of  danger." 

"  But,  if  I  keep  my  word,  I  incur  no  risk,"  she  said 
earnestly. 

"  Not  the  least,"  he  replied.  "  Thrust  your  hand  into 
the  river,  and  promise  that  within  four  and  twenty 
hours  you  will  pay  the  debt." 

The  old  woman  comphed,  but  shuddered  as  she 
observed  that  her  hand,  on  drawing  it  out  of  the  water, 
had  become  as  black  as  a  coal.  She  scolded  angrily ; 
exclaiming  that  her  hands  had  always  been  most  beau- 
tiful, and  that,  notwithstanding  her  hard  work,  she  had 
ever  kept  them  white  and  delicate.  She  gazed  at  her 
hand  with  the  greatest  alarm,  and  exclaimed,  "  This  is 
still  worse  :  it  has  shrunk,  and  is  already  much  smaller 
than  the  other  ! " 

"  It  only  appears  so  now,"  said  the  Ferryman ;  "  but, 
if  you  break  your  word,  it  will  be  so  in  reaUty.  Your 
hand  will  in  that  case  grow  smaller,  and  finally  dis- 
appear ;  though  you  will  still  preserve  the  use  of  it." 

"  I  would  rather,"  she  replied,  "  lose  it  altogether,  and 
that  my  misfortune  should  be  concealed.  But  no  mat- 
ter, I  will  keep  my  word,  to  escape  this  black  disgrace, 
and  avoid  so  much  anxiety."  Whereupon  she  took  her 
basket,  which  rose  aloft,  and  floated  freely  over  her 
head.  She  hastened  after  the  youth,  who  was  walking 
thoughtfully  along  the  bank.  His  noble  figure  and 
peculiar  attire  had  made  a  deep  impression  upon  her 
mind. 

His  breast  was  covered  with  a  shining  cuirass,  whose 
transparency  permitted    the    motions   of    his   graceful 


THE    GER;\UN    EMIGRANTS  357 

form  to  be  seen.  From  his  shoulders  hung  a  purple 
mantle,  and  his  auburn  locks  waved  in  beautiful  curls 
round  liis  uncovered  head.  His  noble  countenance  and 
his  well-turned  feet  were  exposed  to  the  burning  rays 
of  the  sun.  Thus  did  he  journey  patiently  over  the 
hot  sand,  which,  "  true  to  one  sorrow,  he  trod  without 
feeling." 

The  garrulous  old  woman  sought  to  engage  him  in 
conversation ;  but  he  heeded  her  not,  or  answered 
briefly,  until,  notwithstanding  his  beauty,  she  became 
weary,  and  took  leave  of  him,  saying,  "  You  are  too 
slow  for  me,  sir ;  and  I  cannot  lose  my  time,  as  I  am 
anxious  to  cross  the  river,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
Green  Dragon,  and  to  present  the  beautiful  Lily  with 
my  husband's  handsome  present."  So  saying,  she  left 
him  speedily,  upon  which  the  youth  took  heart,  and 
followed  her  without  delay. 

"  You  are  going  to  the  beautiful  Lily ! "  he  ex- 
claimed :  "  if  so,  our  way  lies  together.  What  present 
are  you  taking  her  ? " 

"  Sir,"  answered  the  woman,  "  it  is  not  fair  that  you 
should  so  earnestly  inquire  after  my  secrets,  when 
you  paid  so  little  attention  to  my  questions.  But,  if 
you  will  relate  your  history  to  me,  I  will  tell  you  all 
about  my  present." 

They  made  the  bargain :  the  woman  told  her  story, 
including  the  account  of  the  dog,  and  allowed  him  to 
view  the  beautiful  onyx. 

He  hfted  the  beautiful  precious  stone  from  the 
basket,  and  took  Mops,  who  seemed  to  slumber  softly, 
in  his  arms. 

"  Fortunate  animal ! "  he  exclaimed  :  "  you  wall  be 
touched  by  her  soft  hands,  and  restored  to  life,  in  place 
of  fleeing  from  her  contact,  hke  all  other  living  things, 
to  escape  an  evil  doom.  But,  alas !  what  words  are 
these  ?  Is  it  not  a  sadder  and  more  fearful  fate  to  be 
annihilated  by  her  presence  than  to  die  by  her  hand  ? 


358  THF    RECREATIONS    OF 

Behold  me,  thus  young,  what  a  melancholy  destiny  is 
mine !  This  armour,  which  I  have  borne  with  glory  in 
the  battle-broil ;  this  purple,  which  I  have  earned  by 
the  wisdom  of  my  government,  —  have  been  converted 
by  Fate,  the  one  into  an  unceasing  burden,  the  other 
into  an  empty  honour.  Crown,  sceptre,  and  sword  are 
worthless.  I  am  now  as  naked  and  destitute  as  every 
other  son  of  clay.  For  such  is  the  spell  of  her  beauti- 
ful blue  eyes,  that  they  waste  the  vigour  of  every  liv- 
ing creature ;  and  those  whom  the  contact  of  her  hand 
does  not  destroy  are  reduced  to  the  condition  of  breath- 
ing shadows." 

Thus  he  lamented  long,  but  without  satisfying  the 
curiosity  of  the  old  woman,  who  sought  information 
respecting  both  his  mental  and  his  bodily  sufferings. 
She  learned  neither  the  name  of  his  father  nor  his 
kingdom.  He  stroked  the  rigid  Mops,  to  whom  the 
beams  of  the  sun  and  the  caresses  of  the  youth  had 
imparted  warmth.  He  inquired  earnestly  about  the 
man  with  the  lamp,  about  the  effect  of  the  mysterious 
light,  and  seemed  to  expect  thence  great  relief  from  his 
deep  sorrow. 

So  discoursing,  they  observed  at  a  distance  the  ma- 
jestic arch  of  the  bridge,  which  stretched  from  one 
bank  of  the  river  to  the  other,  and  shone  splendidly  in 
the  beams  of  the  sun.  Both  were  astonished  at  the 
sight,  as  they  had  never  before  seen  it  so  resplendent. 

"  What ! "  cried  the  Prince,  "  was  it  not  sufficiently 
beautiful  before,  with  its  decorations  of  jasper  and  opal  ? 
Can  we  now  dare  to  pass  over  it,  constructed  as  it  is  of 
emerald  and  chrysohte  of  varied  beauty  ? " 

Neither  had  any  idea  of  the  change  which  the 
Dragon  had  undergone  ;  for  in  truth  it  was  the  Dragon, 
whose  custom  it  was  at  mid-day  to  arch  her  form 
across  the  stream,  and  assume  the  appearance  of  a  beau- 
teous bridge,  which  travellers  crossed  with  sHent 
reverence. 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  359 

Scarcely  had  they  reached  the  opposite  bank,  when 
the  bridge  began  to  sway  from  side  to  side,  and  gradu- 
ally sank  to  the  level  of  the  water;  while  the  Green 
Dragon  assumed  her  accustomed  shape,  and  followed 
the  travellers  to  the  shore.  The  latter  thanked  her  for 
her  condescension  in  allowing  them  a  passage  across 
the  stream ;  observing,  at  the  same  time,  that  there 
were  evidently  more  persons  present  than  were  actually 
visible.  They  heard  a  light  whispering,  which  the 
Dragon  answered  with  a  similar  sound.  They  listened, 
and  heard  the  following  words:  "We  will  first  make 
our  observations  unperceived  in  the  park  of  the  beauti- 
ful Lily,  and  look  for  you,  when  the  shadows  of  even- 
ing fall,  to  introduce  us  to  such  perfect  beauty.  You 
will  find  us  on  the  bank  of  the  great  lake." 

"Agreed,"  answered  the  Dragon;  and  a  hissing 
sound  died  away  in  the  air. 

Our  three  travellers  further  consulted  with  what 
regard  to  precedence  they  should  appear  before  the 
beautiful  Lily ;  for,  let  her  visitors  be  never  so  numer- 
ous, they  must  enter  and  depart  singly  if  they  wished 
to  escape  bitter  suffering. 

The  woman,  carrying  in  the  basket  the  transformed 
dog,  came  first  to  the  garden,  and  sought  an  interview 
with  her  benefactress.  She  was  easily  found,  as  she 
was  then  singing  to  the  accompaniment  of  her  harp. 
The  sweet  tones  showed  themselves  first  in  the  form  of 
circles  upon  the  bosom  of  the  calm  lake ;  and  then, 
like  a  soft  breeze,  they  imparted  motion  to  the  grass 
and  to  the  trennilous  leaves.  She  was  seated  in  a 
secluded  nook  beneath  the  shade  of  trees,  and  at  the 
first  glance  enchanted  the  eyes,  the  ear,  and  the  heart 
of  the  old  woman,  who  advanced  toward  her  with 
rapture,  and  protested  that  since  their  last  meetmg  she 
had  become  more  beautiful  than  ever.  Even  from  a 
distance  she  saluted  the  charming  maiden  in  these 
words :  "  What  joy  to  be  in  your  presence  !     AVhat  a 


360  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

heaven  surrounds  you !  Wliat  a  spell  proceeds  from 
your  lyre,  which,  encircled  by  your  soft  arms,  and  in- 
fluenced by  the  pressure  of  your  gentle  bosom  and 
slender  fingers,  utters  such  entrancing  melody  !  Thrice 
happy  the  blessed  youth  who  could  claim  so  great  a 
favour ! " 

So  saying,  she  approached  nearer.  The  beautiful 
Lily  raised  her  eyes,  let  her  hands  drop,  and  said,  "  Do 
not  distress  me  with  your  untimely  praise  :  it  makes 
me  feel  even  more  unhappy.  And  see !  here  is  my 
beautiful  canary  dead  at  my  feet,  which  used  to  accom- 
pany my  songs  so  sweetly :  he  was  accustomed  to  sit 
upon  my  harp,  and  was  carefully  instructed  to  avoid 
my  touch.  This  morning,  when,  refreshed  by  sleep,  I 
tuned  a  pleasant  melody,  the  little  warbler  sang  with 
increased  harmony,  when  suddenly  a  hawk  soared 
above  us.  My  little  bird  sought  refuge  in  my  bosom, 
and  at  that  instant  I  felt  the  last  gasp  of  his  expiring 
breath.  It  is  true  that  the  hawk,  struck  by  my  instan- 
taneous glance,  fell  lifeless  into  the  stream ;  but  what 
avails  this  penalty  to  me  ?  —  my  darling  is  dead,  and 
his  grave  will  but  add  to  the  number  of  the  weeping 
willows  in  my  garden." 

"  Take  courage,  beautiful  Lily,"  interrupted  the  old 
woman,  whilst  at  the  same  moment  she  wiped  away  a 
tear  which  the  narration  of  the  sorrowful  maiden  had 
brought  to  her  eye,  — "  take  courage,  and  learn  from 
my  experience  to  moderate  your  grief.  Great  misfor- 
tune is  often  the  harbinger  of  intense  joy.  For  the  time 
approaches :  but  in  truth,"  continued  she,  " '  the  web  of 
Hfe  is  of  a  mingled  yarn.'  See  my  hand,  how  black  it 
has  grown ;  and,  in  truth,  it  has  become  much  dimin- 
ished in  size :  I  must  be  speedy,  before  it  be  reduced 
to  nothing.  Why  did  I  promise  favours  to  the  Will- 
o'-the-wisps,  or  meet  the  Giant,  or  dip  my  hand  into  the 
river  ?  Can  you  obhge  me  with  a  cauliflower,  an  arti- 
choke, or  an  onion  ?     I  shall  take  them  to  the  river, 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  361 

and  then  my  hand  will  become  so  white  that  it  will 
almost  equal  the  lustre  of  your  own." 

"  Cauliflowers  and  ouious  abound,  but  artichokes 
cannot  be  procured.  My  garden  produces  neither 
flowers  nor  fruit ;  but  every  twig  1  plant  upon  the 
grave  of  anything  I  love  bursts  into  leaf  at  once,  and 
grows  a  goodly  tree.  Thus,  beneath  my  eye,  alas  !  have 
grown  these  clustering  trees  and  copses.  These  tall  pmes, 
these  shadowing  cypresses,  these  niiglity  oaks,  these 
overhanging  beeches,  were  once  small  twigs  planted  by 
my  hand,  as  sad  memorials,  in  an  ungenial  soil." 

The  old  woman  paid  but  little  attention  to  this 
speech,  but  was  employed  in  watching  her  hand,  which 
in  the  presence  of  the  beautiful  Lily  became  every 
instant  of  a  darker  hue,  and  grew  giadually  less.  She 
was  about  to  take  her  basket  and  depart,  when  she  felt 
that  she  had  forgotten  the  most  important  of  her  duties. 
She  took  the  transformed  dog  in  her  arms,  and  laid  him 
upon  the  grass,  not  far  from  the  beautiful  Lily.  "  My 
husband,"  she  said,  "  sends  you  this  present.  You 
know  that  your  touch  can  impart  life  to  this  precious 
stone.  The  good  and  faithful  animal  will  be  a  joy  to 
you,  and  the  grief  his  loss  causes  me  will  be  alleviated 
by  the  thought  that  he  is  yours." 

The  beautiful  Lily  looked  at  the  pretty  creature  with 
dehght,  and  rapture  beamed  from  her  eyes.  "  Many 
things  combine  to  inspire  me  with  hope ;  but,  alas !  is 
it  not  a  delusion  of  our  nature  to  expect  that  joy  is 
near  when  grief  is  at  the  worst  ? 

"  Ah  I  what  avail  these  omens  all  so  fair? 
My  sweet  bird's  death,  my  friend's  hands  blackly  dyed, 
And  Mops  transformed  into  a  jewel  rare, 
Sent  by  the  Lamp  our  faltering  steps  to  guide. 

"Far  from  mankind  and  every  joy  T  prize. 
To  grief  and  sorrow  I  am  still  allied  : 
When  from  the  river  will  the  temple  rise  ? 
When  will  the  bridge  span  it  from  side  to  side?" 


362  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

The  old  woman  waited  with  impatience  for  the  con- 
clusion of  the  song,  which  the  beautiful  Lily  had  ac- 
companied with  her  harp,  entrancing  the  ears  of  every 
listener.  She  was  about  to  say  farewell,  when  the 
arrival  of  the  Dragon  compelled  her  to  remain.  She 
had  heard  the  last  words  of  the  song,  and  on  this  ac- 
count spoke  words  of  encouragement  to  the  beautiful 
Lily.  "  The  prophecy  of  the  bridge  is  fulfilled  ! "  she 
exclaimed :  "  this  good  woman  will  bear  witness  how 
splendidly  the  arch  now  appears.  Formerly  of  un- 
transparent  jasper,  which  only  reflected  the  light  upon 
the  sides,  it  is  now  converted  into  precious  jewels  of 
transparent  hue.  No  beryl  is  so  bright,  and  no  emer- 
ald so  splendid." 

"  I  congratulate  you  thereupon,"  said  the  Lily,  "  but 
pardon  me  if  I  doubt  whether  the  prediction  is  ful- 
filled. Only  foot-passengers  can  as  yet  cross  the  arch 
of  your  bridge :  and  it  has  been  foretold  that  horses 
and  carriages,  travellers  of  all  descriptions,  shall  pass 
and  repass  in  mingled  multitudes.  Is  prediction  silent 
with  respect  to  the  mighty  pillars  which  are  to  ascend 
from  the  river  ?  " 

The  old  woman,  whose  eyes  were  fixed  immovably 
upon  her  hand,  interrupted  this  speech,  and  bade 
farewell. 

"Wait  for  one  moment,"  said  the  beautiful  Lily, 
"  and  take  my  poor  canary-bird  with  you.  Implore 
the  Lamp  to  convert  him  into  a  topaz ;  and  I  will 
then  reanimate  him  with  my  touch,  and  he  and  your 
good  Mops  will  then  be  my  greatest  consolation.  But 
make  what  speed  you  can ;  for  with  sunset  decay  wiU 
have  commenced  its  withering  influence,  marring  the 
beauty  of  its  delicate  form." 

The  old  woman  enveloped  the  little  corpse  in  some 
soft  young  leaves,  placed  it  in  the  basket,  and  hastened 
from  the  spot. 

"  Notwithstanding    what    you    say,"   continued    the 


THE    GERMAN    E/MIGRANTS  363 

Dragon,  resuming  the  interrupted  conversation,  "the 
temple  is  built." 

"  But  it  does  not  yet  stand  upon  the  river,"  replied 
the  beautiful  Lily. 

"  Tt  rests  still  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth,"  continued 
the  Dragon.  "  I  have  seen  the  Kings,  and  spoken  to 
them." 

"  And  when  will  they  awake  ? "  inquired  the 
Lily. 

The  Dragon  answered,  "  I  heard  the  mighty  voice 
resound  through  the  temple,  announcing  that  the  hour 
was  come." 

A  ray  of  joy  beamed  from  the  countenance  of  the 
beautiful  Lily  as  she  exclaimed,  "  Do  I  hear  those 
words  for  the  second  time  to-day  ?  Wlien  will  the 
hour  arrive  in  which  I  shall  hear  them  for  the  third 
time  ? " 

She  rose,  and  immediately  a  beautiful  maiden  came 
from  the  wood,  and  relieved  her  of  her  harp.  She  was 
followed  by  another,  who  took  the  ivory  chair  upon 
which  the  beautiful  Lily  had  been  seated,  folded  it 
together,  and  carried  it  away,  together  with  the  silver- 
tissued  cushion.  The  third  maiden,  who  bore  in  her 
hand  a  fan  inlaid  with  pearls,  approached  to  tender 
her  services  if  they  should  be  needed.  These  three 
maidens  were  lovely  beyond  description,  though  they 
were  compelled  to  acknowledge  that  their  charms  fell 
far  short  of  those  of  their  beautiful  mistress. 

The  beautiful  Lily  had,  in  the  meantime,  surveyed 
the  marvellous  Mops  with  a  look  of  pleasure.  She 
leaned  over  him,  and  touched  him.  He  instantly 
leaped  up,  looked  round  joyously,  bounded  with  de- 
Hght,  hastened  to  his  benefactress,  and  caressed  her 
tenderly.  She  took  him  in  her  arms,  and  pressed  him 
to  her  bosom.  "  Cold  though  thou  art,"  she  said,  "  and 
endued  with  only  half  a  life,  yet  art  thou  welcome  to 
me.     I  will  love  thee  fondly,  play  with  thee  sportively, 


364  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

kiss  thee  softly,  and  press  thee  to  my  heart."  She  let 
him  go  a  httle  from  her,  called  him  back,  chased  him 
away  again,  and  played  with  him  so  joyously  and 
innocently,  that  no  one  could  help  sympathising  in 
her  delight  and  taking  part  in  her  pleasure,  as  they 
had  before  shared  her  sorrow  and  her  woe. 

But  this  happiness  and  this  pleasant  pastime  were 
interrupted  by  the  arrival  of  the  melancholy  youth. 
His  walk  and  appearance  were  as  we  have  before 
described ;  but  he  seemed  overcome  by  the  heat  of 
the  day,  and  the  presence  of  his  beloved  had  rendered 
him  perceptibly  paler.  He  bore  the  hawk  upon  his 
wrist,  where  it  sat  with  drooping  wing  as  tranquil  as 
a  dove. 

"  It  is  not  well,"  exclaimed  the  Lily,  "  that  you 
should  vex  my  eyes  with  that  odious  bird,  which  has 
only  this  day  murdered  my  httle  favourite." 

"  Blame  not  the  luckless  bird,"  exclaimed  the  youth : 
"  rather  condemn  yourself  and  fate,  and  let  me  find  an 
associate  in  this  companion  of  my  grief." 

Mops,  in  the  meantime,  was  incessant  in  his  caresses ; 
and  the  Lily  responded  to  his  affection  with  the  most 
gentle  tokens  of  love.  She  clapped  her  hands  to  drive 
him  away,  and  then  sportively  pursued  to  win  him 
back.  She  caught  him  in  her  arms  as  he  tried  to 
escape,  and  chased  him  from  her  when  he  sought  to 
nestle  in  her  lap.  The  youth  looked  on  in  silence  and 
in  sorrow ;  but  when  at  length  she  took  liim  in  her 
arms,  and  pressed  him  to  her  snowy  breast,  and  kissed 
him  with  her  heavenly  lips,  he  lost  all  patience,  and 
exclaimed  in  the  depth  of  his  despair,  "And  must  I, 
whom  a  sad  destiny  compels  to  live  in  your  presence, 
and  yet  to  be  separated  from  you,  perhaps  for  ever, — 
must  I,  who  for  you  have  forfeited  everything,  even 
my  own  being,  —  must  I  look  on  and  behold  this 
*  defect  of  nature '  gain  your  notice,  win  your  love, 
and   enjoy  the  paradise  of    your  embrace?     Must    I 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  3^S 

continue  to  wander  and  measure  my  solitary  way 
along  the  banks  oi  this  stream  ?  No !  a  spark  of  my 
former  spirit  still  hums  within  my  bosom.  Oh  that  it 
would  for  the  last  time  mount  into  a  flame !  If  stones 
may  repose  within  your  bosom,  then  let  me  be  con- 
verted to  a  stone;  and,  if  your  touch  can  kill,  I  am 
content  to  receive  my  death  at  your  hands." 

He  became  violently  excited;  the  hawk  flew  from 
his  wrist ;  he  rushed  toward  the  beautiful  Lily ;  she 
extended  her  arms  to  forbid  his  approach,  and  touched 
him  undesignedly.  His  consciousness  immediately 
forsook  him,  and  with  dismay  she  felt  the  beautiful 
burden  lean  for  support  upon  her  breast.  She  started 
back  with  a  scream,  and  the  fail'  youth  sank  lifeless 
from  her  arms  to  the  earth. 

The  deed  was  done.  The  sweet  Lily  stood  motion- 
less, and  gazed  intently  on  the  breathless  corpse.  Her 
heart  ceased  to  beat,  and  her  eyes  were  bedewed  with 
tears.  In  vain  did  Mops  seek  to  wm  her  attention: 
the  whole  world  had  died  out  with  her  lost  friend. 
Her  dumb  despair  sought  no  help,  for  help  was  now 
in  vain. 

But  the  Dragon  became  immediately  more  active. 
Her  mind  seemed  occupied  with  thoughts  of  rescue; 
and,  in  truth,  her  mysterious  movements  prevented  the 
immediate  consequence  of  this  dire  misfortune.  She 
wound  her  serpentine  form  in  a  wide  circle  round  the 
spot  where  the  body  lay,  seized  the  end  of  her  tail 
between  her  teeth,  and  remained  motionless. 

In  a  few  moments  one  of  the  servants  of  the  beauti- 
ful Lily  approached,  carrying  the  ivory  chair,  and  with 
friendly  entreaties  compelled  her  mistress  to  be  seated. 
Then  came  a  second,  bearing  a  flame-coloured  veil,  with 
which  she  rather  adorned  than  covered  the  head  of 
the  Lily.  A  third  maiden  offered  her  the  harp;  and 
scarcely  had  she  struck  the  chords,  and  awakened  their 
delicious  tones,  when  the  first  maiden  returned,  having 


( 


366  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

in  her  hands  a  circular  mirror  of  lustrous  brightness, 
placed  herself  opposite  the  Lily,  intercepted  her  looks, 
and  reflected  the  most  enchanting  countenance  which 
nature  could  fashion.  Her  sorrow  added  lustre  to  her 
beauty,  the  veil  heightened  her  charms,  the  harp  lent 
her  a  new  grace ;  and,  though  it  was  impossible  not  to 
hope  that  her  sad  fate  might  soon  undergo  a  change, 
one  could  almost  wish  that  that  lovely  and  enchanting 
vision  might  last  for  ever. 

Silently  gazing  upon  the  mirror,  she  drew  melting 
tones  of  music  from  her  harp ;  but  her  sorrow 
appeared  to  increase,  and  the  chords  responded  to 
her  melancholy  mood.  Once  or  twice  she  opened 
her  lips  to  sing,  but  her  voice  refused  utterance; 
whereupon  her  grief  found  refuge  in  tears.  Her  two 
attendants  supported  her  in  their  arms,  and  the  harp 
fell  from  her  hands ;  but  the  watchful  attention  of  her 
handmaid  caught  it,  and  laid  it  aside. 

"  Who  will  fetch  the  man  with  the  lamp  ? "  whis- 
pered the  Dragon  in  low  but  audible  voice.  The 
maidens  looked  at  each  other,  and  the  Lily's  tears  fell 
faster. 

At  this  instant  the  old  woman  with  the  basket 
returned  breathless  with  agitation.  "  I  am  lost  and 
crippled  for  life  ! "  she  exclaimed.  "  Look  !  my  hand  is 
nearly  withered.  Neither  the  Ferryman  nor  the  Giant 
would  set  me  across  the  river,  because  I  am  indebted 
to  the  stream.  In  vain  did  I  tempt  them  with  a 
hundred  cauliflowers  and  a  hundred  onions :  they 
insist  upon  the  stipulated  three,  and  not  an  artichoke 
can  be  found  in  this  neighbourhood." 

"  Forget  your  distress,"  said  the  Dragon,  "  and  give 
your  assistance  here :  perhaps  you  will  be  relieved  at 
the  same  time.  Hasten,  and  find  out  the  Will-o'-the- 
wisps  ;  for,  though  you  cannot  see  them  by  daylight, 
you  may,  perhaps,  hear  their  laughter  and  their 
motions.     If   you  make  good  speed,  the   Giant  may 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  367 

yet  transport  you  across  the  river,  aud  you  may  find 
the  man  with  the  lamp  aud  seud  liim  hither." 

The  old  woman  made  as  much  haste  as  possible, 
and  the  Dragon  showed  as  much  impatience  for  her 
return  as  the  Lily,  liut,  sad  to  say,  the  golden  rays 
of  the  setting  sun  were  shedding  their  last  beams  upon 
the  highest  tops  of  the  trees,  aud  lengthening  the 
mountain  shadows  over  lake  and  meadow.  The 
motions  of  the  Dragon  showed  increased  impatience, 
and  the  Lily  was  dissolved  in  tears. 

In  this  moment  of  distress  the  Dragon  looked 
anxiously  round :  she  feared  every  instant  that  the 
sun  would  set,  aud  that  decay  would  penetrate  within 
the  magic  circle,  and  exert  its  fell  influence  upon  the 
corpse  of  the  beautiful  youth.  She  looked  into  the 
heavens,  aud  caught  sight  of  the  purple  wings  and 
breast  of  the  hawk,  w^hich  were  illumined  by  the  last 
rays  of  the  sun.  Her  restlessness  betrayed  her  joy 
at  the  good  omen ;  and  she  was  not  deceived,  for 
instantly  afterward  she  saw  the  man  with  the  lamp 
shding  across  the  lake  as  if  he  had  skates  on  his 
feet. 

The  Dragon  did  not  alter  her  position ;  but  the  lily, 
rising  from  her  seat,  exclaimed,  "  What  good  spirit  has 
sent  you  thus  opportunely  when  you  are  so  much 
longed  for  and  required  ? " 

"  The  Spirit  of  my  Lamp  impels  me,"  replied  the  old 
man,  "  and  the  hawk  conducts  me  hither.  The  lamp 
flickers  when  I  am  needed ;  and  I  immediately  look 
to  the  heavens  for  a  sign,  when  some  bird  or  meteor 
points  the  way  I  should  go.  Be  tranquil,  beautiful 
maiden :  I  know  not  if  I  can  help  you ;  one  alone  can 
do  but  little,  but  he  can  avail  who  in  the  proper  hour 
unites  his  strength  with  others.  We  must  wait  and 
hope."  Then  turning  to  the  Dragon,  he  said,  "  Keep 
your  circle  closed ; "  and,  seating  himself  upon  a 
hillock  at  his  side,  he  shed  a  light  upou  the  corpse 


368  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

of  the  youth.  "Now  bring  the  little  canary-bird" 
he  continued,  "  and  lay  it  also  within  the  circle." 

The  maiden  took  the  httle  creature  from  the  basket, 
and  followed  the  directions  of  the  old  man. 

The  sun  had  set  in  the  meantime ;  and,  as  the 
shades  of  evening  closed  around,  not  only  the  Dragon 
and  the  Lamp  cast  their  customary  light,  but  the  veil 
of  the  Lily  was  illumined  with  a  soft  brilliancy,  and 
caused  her  pale  cheeks  and  her  white  robe  to  beam 
like  the  dawn  of  morning,  and  clothed  her  with  inex- 
pressible grace.  They  gazed  at  each  other  with  silent 
emotions:  anxiety  and  sorrow  were  softened  by  hope 
of  approacliing  happiness. 

To  the  dehght  of  all,  the  old  woman  appeared  with 
the  lively  Will-o'-the-wisps,  who  must  have  led  a 
prodigal  life  of  late,  for  they  looked  wonderfully  thin, 
but  behaved  all  the  more  politely  to  the  princess  and 
the  other  young  ladies.  With  an  air  of  confidence, 
and  much  force  of  expression,  they  discoursed  upon 
ordinary  topics,  and  were  much  struck  by  the  charm 
which  the  shining  veil  shed  over  the  beautiful  Lily 
and  her  companions.  The  young  ladies  cast  down 
their  eyes  with  modest  looks,  and  the^r  beauty  was 
heightened  by  the  praise  it  called  forth.  Every  one 
was  happy  and  contented,  not  excepting  even  the  old 
woman.  Notwithstanding  the  assurance  of  her  hus- 
band that  her  hand  would  not  continue  to  wither 
whilst  the  Lamp  shone  upon  it,  she  continued  to 
assert,  that,  if  things  went  on  thus,  it  would  disappear 
entirely  before  midnight. 

The  old  man  with  the  lamp  had  hstened  attentively 
to  the  speech  of  the  Will-o'-the-msps,  and  was  charmed 
to  observe  that  the  beautiful  Lily  was  pleased  and 
flattered  with  their  comphments.  Midnight  had  act- 
ually come  before  they  were  aware.  The  old  man 
looked  up  to  the  stars,  and  spoke  thus :  "  We  are  met 
at  a  fortunate  hour :  let  each  fulfil  his  office,  let  each 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  369 

discharge  his  duty ;  and  a  general  happiness  will  alle- 
viate one  individual  trouble,  as  a  universal  sorrow 
destroys  particular  joys." 

After  tliese  observations  a  mysterious  murmur  arose  ; 
for  every  one  present  spoke  for  himself,  and  mentioned 
what  he  had  to  do:  the  three  maidens  alone  were 
silent.  One  had  fallen  asleep  near  the  harp,  the  other 
beside  the  fan,  and  the  third  leaning  against  the  ivory- 
chair  :  and  no  one  could  blame  them ;  for,  in  truth,  it 
was  late.  The  Will-o'-the-wisps,  after  paying  some 
trivial  compliments  to  the  other  ladies,  including 
even  the  attendants,  attached  themselves  finally  to 
the  Lily,  by  whose  beauty  they  were  attracted. 

"  Take  the  mirror,"  said  the  old  man  to  the  hawk, 
"  and  illumine  the  fair  sleepers  with  the  first  beams  of 
the  sun,  and  rouse  them  from  their  slumbers  by  the 
light  reflected  from  heaven." 

The  Dragon  now  began  to  move :  she  broke  up  the 
circle,  and  in  long  windings  moved  slowly  to  the  river. 
The  Will-o'-the-wisps  followed  her  in  solemn  proces- 
sion, and  they  might  have  been  mistaken  for  the  most 
serious  personages.  The  old  woman  and  her  husband 
took  up  the  basket,  the  soft  light  of  which  had  hitherto 
been  scarcely  observed ;  but  it  now  l)ecame  clearer  and 
more  brilHant.  They  laid  the  body  of  the  youth  within 
it,  with  the  canary-bird  reposing  upon  his  breast,  upon 
which  the  basket  raised  itself  into  the  air,  and  floated 
over  the  head  of  the  old  woman  ;  and  she  followed  the 
steps  of  the  Will-o'-the-wisps.  The  beautiful  Lily,  tak- 
ing Mops  in  her  arms,  walked  after  the  old  woman ; 
and  the  man  with  tlie  lamp  closed  the  procession. 

The  whole  neighbourhood  was  brilliantly  illumi- 
nated with  all  these  various  hghts.  They  all  observed 
with  astonishment,  on  approaching  the  river,  that  it 
was  spanned  by  a  majestic  arch,  whereby  the  benevo- 
lent Dragon  had  prepared  them  a  lustrous  passage 
across.     The  transparent  jewels  of  which  the  bridge 


37°  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

was  composed  were  objects  of  no  less  astonishment 
by  day  than  was  their  wondrous  brilhancy  by  night. 
The  clear  arch  above  cut  sharply  against  the  dark  sky  ; 
whilst  vivid  rays  of  hght  beneath  shone  against  the 
key-stone,  revealing  the  firm  pliabihty  of  the  structure. 
The  procession  moved  slowly  over ;  and  the  Ferryman, 
who  witnessed  the  proceeding  from  his  hut,  surveyed 
the  brilliant  arch  with  awe,  no  less  than  the  won- 
drous lights  as  they  journeyed  across  it. 

As  soon  as  they  had  reached  the  opposite  bank,  the 
bridge  began  to  contract  as  usual,  and  sink  to  the  sur- 
face of  the  water.  The  Dragon  made  her  way  to  the 
shore,  and  the  basket  descended  to  the  ground.  The 
Dragon  now  once  more  assumed  a  circular  shape ;  and 
the  old  man,  bowing  before  her,  asked  what  she  had 
determined  to  do. 

"  To  sacrifice  myself  before  I  am  made  a  sacrifice : 
only  promise  me  that  you  will  leave  no  stone  on  the 
land." 

The  old  man  promised,  and  then  addressed  the 
beautiful  Lily  thus :  "  Touch  the  Dragon  with  your 
left  hand,  and  your  lover  with  your  right." 

The  beautiful  Lily  knelt  down,  and  laid  her  hands 
upon  the  Dragon  and  the  corpse.  In  an  instant  the 
latter  became  endued  with  life :  he  moved,  and  then 
sat  upright.  The  Lily  wished  to  embrace  him ;  but 
the  old  man  held  her  back,  and  assisted  the  youth 
whilst  he  led  him  beyond  the  limits  of  the  circle. 

The  youth  stood  erect,  the  little  canary  fluttered 
upon  his  shoulder,  but  his  mind  was  not  yet  restored. 
His  eyes  were  open ;  but  he  saw,  at  least  he  appeared 
to  look  on,  everything  with  indifference.  Scarcely  was 
the  wonder  at  tliis  circumstance  appeased,  when  the 
change  which  the  Dragon  had  undergone  excited 
attention.  Her  beautiful  and  slender  form  was  con- 
verted into  thousands  and  thousands  of  precious  stones. 
The  old  woman,  in  the  effort  to  seize  her  basket,  had 


THE    GERMAN    EAUGRANTS  371 

struck  unintentionally  against  her,  after  which  nothing 
more  was  seen  of  the  figure  of  the  Dragon.  f)nly  a 
heap  of  brilliant  jewels  lay  in  the  giass.  The  old 
man  immediately  set  to  work  to  collect  them  into  his 
basket,  a  task  in  which  he  was  assisted  by  his  wife. 
They  both  then  carried  the  basket  to  an  elevated  spot 
on  the  bank,  when  he  cast  the  entire  contents  into 
the  stream,  not,  however,  without  the  opposition  of 
his  wife  and  of  the  beautiful  Lily,  who  would  willingly 
have  appropriated  a  portion  of  the  treasure  to  them- 
selves. The  jewels  gleamed  in  the  rippling  waters  like 
brilliant  stars,  and  were  carried  away  by  the  stream ; 
and  none  can  say  whether  they  disappeared  in  the 
distance  or  sank  to  the  bottom. 

"Young  gentlemen,"  then  said  the  old  man  respect- 
fully to  the  Will-o'-the-wisps,  "  1  wilf  now  point  out 
your  path,  and  lead  the  way ;  and  you  will  render  us 
the  greatest  service  by  opening  the  doors  of  the  tem- 
ple through  which  we  must  enter,  and  which  you  alone 
can  unlock." 

The  Will-o'-the-wisps  bowed  politely,  and  took  their 
post  in  the  rear.  The  man  with  the  lamp  advanced 
first  into  the  rocks,  which  opened  of  their  own  accord ; 
the  youth  followed  with  apparent  indifference ;  with 
silent  uncertainty  the  beautiful  Lily  lingered  slowly 
behind  ;  the  old  woman,  unwilling  to  be  left  alone, 
followed  after,  stretching  out  her  hand  that  it  might 
receive  the  rays  of  her  husband's  lamp ;  the  procession 
was  closed  by  the  Will-o'-the-w4sps,  and  their  bright 
flames  nodded  and  blended  with  each  other  as  if  they 
were  engaged  in  active  conversation.  They  had  not 
gone  far  before  they  came  to  a  large  brazen  gate  which 
was  fastened  by  a  golden  lock.  The  old  man  there- 
upon sought  the  assistance  of  the  Will-o'-the-wisps, 
who  did  not  want  to  be  entreated,  but  at  once  intro- 
duced their  pointed  flames  into  the  lock,  when  the 
wards  yielded  to  their  influence.     The  brass  resounded 


372  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

as  the  doors  flew  wide  asunder,  and  displayed  the 
venerable  statues  of  the  kings  illuminated  by  the  ad- 
vancing lights.  Each  individual  in  turn  bowed  to 
the  reverend  potentates  with  respect,  and  the  Will-o'- 
the-wisps  were  prodigal  of  their  lambent  salutations. 

After  a  short  pause  the  Golden  King  asked,  "  Whence 
do  you  come  ? " 

"  From  the  world,"  answered  the  old  man. 

"  And  whither  are  you  going  ? "  inquired  the  Silver 
King. 

"  Back  to  the  world,"  was  the  answer. 

"  And  what  do  you  wish  with  us  ? "  asked  the 
Brazen  King. 

"  To  accompany  you,"  responded  the  old  man. 

The  fourth  king  was  about  to  speak,  when  the 
golden  statue  thus  addressed  the  Will-o'-the-wisps,  who 
had  advanced  toward  him :  "  Depart  from  me.  My 
gold  is  not  for  you." 

They  then  turned  toward  the  Silver  King,  and  his 
apparel  assumed  the  golden  hue  of  their  yellow  flames. 
"  You  are  welcome,"  he  said,  "  but  I  cannot  feed  you. 
Satisfy  yourselves  elsewhere,  and  then  bring  me  your 
Hght." 

They  departed ;  and,  stealing  unobserved  past  the 
Brazen  King,  they  attached  themselves  to  the  King 
composed  of  various  metals. 

"  Who  will  rule  the  world  ? "  inquired  the  latter 
in  inarticulate  tones. 

"He  who  stands  erect,"  answered  the  old  man. 

"  That  is  I,"  replied  the  King. 

"  Then  it  will  be  revealed,"  said  the  old  man,  "  for  the 
time  is  come." 

The  beautiful  Lily  fell  upon  his  neck,  and  kissed 
Viim  tenderly.  "  Kind  father,"  she  said,  "  a  thousand 
thanks  for  allowing  me  to  hear  this  comforting  word 
for  the  tliird  time  : "  and,  so  saying,  she  felt  compelled 
to  grasp  the  old  man's  arm ;  for  the  earth  began  to 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  373 

tremble  beneath  them:  the  old  woman  and  the  youth 
clung  to  each  other,  whilst  the  pliant  Will-o'-the- 
wisps  felt  not  the  slightest  inconvenience. 

It  was  evident  that  the  whole  temple  was  in  motion ; 
and,  like  a  ship  which  pursues  its  quiet  way  from  the 
harbour  when  the  anchor  is  raised,  the  depths  of 
the  earth  seemed  to  open  before  it,  whilst  it  clove  its 
way  through.  It  encountered  no  obstacle,  no  rock 
opposed  its  progress.  Presently  a  very  line  rain  pene- 
trated through  the  cupola.  The  old  man  continued  to 
support  the  beautiful  Lily,  and  whispered,  "  We  are  now 
under  the  river,  and  shall  soon  attain  the  goal."  Pres- 
ently they  thouglit  the  motion  ceased ;  but  they  were 
deceived,  the  temple  still  moved  onwards.  A  strange 
sound  was  now  heard  above  them  :  beams  and  broken 
rafters  burst  in  disjointed  fragments  through  the  open- 
ing of  the  cupola.  The  Lily  and  the  old  woman 
retreated  in  alarm  :  the  man  with  the  lamp  stood  by 
the  youth,  and  encouraged  liim  to  remain.  The  Ferry- 
man's little  hut  had  been  ploughed  from  the  ground  by 
the  advance  of  the  temple,  and,  in  its  gradual  fall, 
buried  the  youth  and  the  old  man. 

Tlie  women  screamed  in  alarm,  and  the  temple  shook 
like  a  vessel  which  strikes  upon  a  hidden  rock.  Anx- 
iously the  women  wandered  round  the  hut  in  darkness  : 
the  doors  were  shut,  and  no  one  answered  their  knock- 
ing. They  continued  to  knock  more  loudly,  when  at 
last  the  wood  began  to  ring  with  sounds :  the  magic 
power  of  the  lamp,  which  was  enclosed  within  the  hut, 
changed  it  into  silver,  and  presently  its  very  form  was 
altered ;  for  the  noble  metal,  refusing  to  assume  the 
form  of  planks,  posts,  and  rafters,  was  converted  into  a 
glorious  building  of  artistic  workmanship  :  it  seemed  as 
if  a  smaller  temple  had  grown  up  within  the  large  one 
or  at  least  an  altar  worthy  of  its  beauty. 

The  noble  youth  ascended  a  staircase  in  the  interior, 
whilst  the  man  with  the  lamp  shed  light  upon  his  way ; 


374  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

and  another  figure  lent  him  support,  clad  in  a  short 
white  garment,  and  holding  in  his  hand  a  silver  rudder : 
it  was  easy  to  recognise  the  Ferryman,  the  former 
inhabitant  of  the  transformed  hut. 

The  beautiful  Lily  ascended  the  outward  steps  which 
led  from  the  temple  to  the  altar,  but  was  compelled  to 
remain  separated  from  her  lover.  The  old  woman, 
whose  hand  continued  to  grow  smaller  whilst  the  light 
of  the  lamp  was  obscured,  exclaimed,  "  Am  I  still 
doomed  to  be  unhappy  amid  so  many  miracles?  will 
no  miracle  restore  my  hand  ? " 

Her  husband  pointed  to  the  open  door,  exclaiming, 
"  See,  the  day  dawns !  hasten,  and  bathe  in  the 
river !  " 

"  What  advice  !  "  she  answered  :  "  shall  I  not  become 
wholly  black,  and  dissolve  into  nothing  ?  for  I  have  not 
yet  discharged  my  debt." 

"  Be  silent,"  said  the  old  man,  "  and  follow  me :  all 
debts  are  wiped  away." 

The  old  woman  obeyed,  and  in  the  same  instant 
the  light  of  the  rising  sun  shone  upon  the  circle 
of  the  cupola.  Then  the  old  man,  advancing  between 
the  youth  and  the  maiden,  exclaimed  with  a  loud  voice, 
"  Three  things  have  sway  upon  the  earth,  —  Wisdom, 
Appearance,  and  Power." 

At  the  sound  of  the  first  word  the  Golden  King 
arose  ;  at  the  sound  of  the  second,  the  Silver  King ; 
and  the  Brazen  King  had  risen  at  the  sound  of  the 
third,  when  the  fourth  suddenly  sunk  awkwardly 
to  the  earth.  The  Will-o'-the-wisps,  who  had  been 
busily  employed  upon  him  till  this  moment,  now 
retreated :  though  paled  by  the  light  of  the  morning, 
they  seemed  in  good  condition,  and  suflSciently  bril- 
liant ;  for  they  had  with  much  dexterity  extracted  the 
gold  from  the  veins  of  the  colossal  statue  with  their 
sharp-pointed  tongues.  The  irregular  spaces  which 
were  thus  displayed  remained  for  some  time  exposed, 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  375 

and  the  figure  preserved  its  previous  form ;  but  when 
at  length  the  most  secret  veins  of  gold  had  been 
extracted,  the  statue  suddenly  fell  with  a  crash,  and 
formed  a  mass  of  shapeless  ruins. 

The  man  with  the  lamp  conducted  the  yijuth,  whose 
eye  was  still  fixed  upon  vacancy,  from  the  altar 
toward  the  Brazen  King.  At  the  foot  of  the  mighty 
monarch  lay  a  sword  in  a  brazen  sheath.  The  youth 
bound  it  to  his  side.  "  Take  the  weapon  in  your  left 
hand,  and  keep  the  right  hand  free,"  exclaimed  the 
King. 

They  then  advanced  to  the  Silver  Monarch,  who 
bent  his  sceptre  toward  the  youth ;  the  latter  seized  it 
with  his  left  hand:  and  the  King  addressed  him  in 
soft  accents,  "  Feed  my  sheep." 

When  they  reached  the  statue  of  the  Golden  King, 
with  paternal  benediction  the  latter  pressed  the  oaken 
garland  on  the  head  of  the  youth,  and  said, "  Acknowl- 
edge the  highest." 

The  old  man  had,  during  this  proceeding,  watched 
the  youth  attentively.  After  he  had  girded  on  the 
sword,  his  breast  heaved,  his  arm  was  firmer,  and  his 
step  more  erect ;  and,  after  he  had  touched  the  sceptre, 
his  sense  of  power  appeared  to  soften,  and  at  the  same 
time,  by  an  inexpressible  charm,  to  become  more 
mighty;  but,  when  his  waving  locks  were  adorned 
with  the  oaken  garland,  his  countenance  became  ani- 
mated, his  soul  beamed  from  his  eye;  and  the  first 
word  he  uttered  was  "  Lily  !  " 

"  Dear  Lily  ! "  he  exclaimed,  as  he  hastened  to 
ascend  the  silver  stairs,  for  she  had  observed  his  prog- 
ress from  the  altar  where  she  stood,  —  "dear  Lily, 
what  can  man  desire  more  blessed  than  the  innocence 
and  the  sweet  affection  which  your  love  brings  me? 
0  my  friend !  "  he  continued,  turning  to  the  old  man, 
and  pointing  to  the  three  sacred  statues,  "  secure  and 
glorious  is  the  kingdom  of  our  fathers ;  but  you  have 


376  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

forgotten  to  enumerate  that  fourth  power,  which  exer- 
cises an  earlier,  more  universal,  and  certain  rule  over 
the  world,  —  the  power  of  love." 

With  these  words  he  flung  his  arms  round  the  neck 
of  the  beautiful  maiden :  she  had  cast  aside  her  veil, 
and  her  cheeks  were  tinged  with  a  blush  of  the  sweet- 
est and  most  inexpressible  beauty. 

The  old  man  now  observed,  with  a  smile,  "  Love 
does  not  rule,  but  controls ;  and  that  is  better." 

During  all  this  dehght  and  enchantment,  no  one  had 
observed  that  the  sun  was  now  high  in  heaven;  and 
through  the  open  gates  of  the  temple  most  unexpected 
objects  were  perceived.  An  empty  space,  of  large 
dimensions,  was  surrounded  by  pillars,  and  terminated 
by  a  long  and  splendid  bridge,  whose  many  arches 
stretched  across  the  river.  On  each  side  was  a  foot- 
path, wide  and  convenient  for  passengers,  of  whom 
many  thousands  were  busily  employed  in  crossing 
over :  the  wide  road  in  the  centre  was  crowded  with 
flocks  and  herds,  and  horsemen  and  carriages ;  and  all 
streamed  over  without  impeding  each  other's  progress. 
All  were  iu  raptures  at  the  union  of  convenience  and 
beauty  ;  and  the  new  king  and  his  spouse  were  as 
much  charmed  with  the  animation  and  activity  of 
this  great  concourse  as  they  were  with  their  own 
reciprocal  love. 

"  Honour  the  Dragon,"  said  the  man  with  the  lamp : 
"  to  her  you  are  indebted  for  life,  and  your  people  for 
the  bridge  whereby  these  neighbouring  shores  are  ani- 
mated and  connected.  Those  shining  precious  stones 
which  still  float  by  are  the  remains  of  her  self-sacrifice, 
and  form  the  foundation-stones  of  this  glorious  bridge, 
upon  which  she  has  erected  herself  to  subsist  for 
ever." 

The  approach  of  four  beautiful  maidens,  who  ad- 
vanced to  the  door  of  the  temple,  prevented  any 
inquiry  into  this  wonderful  mystery.     Three  of  them 


THE    GERMAN    EMIGRANTS  377 

were  recognised  as  the  attendants  of  the  beautiful  Lily, 
by  the  harp,  the  fau,  and  the  ivory  chair ;  but  the 
fourth,  though  more  beautiful  than  the  other  three, 
was  a  stranger.  She,  however,  played  with  the  others 
with  sisterly  sportiveness,  ran  with  them  through  the 
temple,  and  ascended  the  silver  stairs. 

"  Thou  dearest  of  creatures,"  said  the  man  with  the 
lamp,  addressing  the  beautiful  Lily,  "  you  will  surely 
believe  me  for  the  future.  Happy  for  thee,  and  every 
other  creature,  who  shall  bathe  this  morning  in  the 
waters  of  the  river!" 

The  old  woman,  who  had  been  transformed  into  a 
beautiful  young  girl,  and  of  whose  former  appearance 
no  trace  remained,  embraced  the  man  with  the  lamp 
with  tender  caresses,  which  he  returned  with  affection. 

"If  I  am  too  old  for  you,"  he  said  with  a  smile, 
"you  may  select  another  bridegroom;  for  no  tie  can 
henceforth  be  considered  binding  which  is  not  this  day 
renewed." 

"  But  are  you  not  aware  that  you  also  have  become 
young  ? "  she  inquired. 

"I  am  delighted  to  hear  it,"  he  replied.  "If  I 
appear  to  you  to  be  a  gallant  youth,  I  take  your 
hand  anew,  and  hope  for  a  thousand  years  of  happi- 
ness." 

The  Queen  welcomed  her  new  friend,  and  advanced 
v^th  her  and  the  rest  of  her  companions  to  the  altar : 
whilst  the  King,  supported  by  the  two  men,  pointed 
to  the  bridge,  and  surveyed  with  wonder  the  crowd  of 
passengers;  but  his  joy  was  soon  overshadowed  by 
observing  an  object  which  gave  him  pain.  The  Giant, 
who  had  just  awakened  from  his  morning  sleep,  stum- 
bled over  the  bridge,  and  gave  rise  to  the  greatest  con- 
fusion. He  was,  as  usual,  but  half  awake,  and  had 
risen  with  the  intention  of  bathing  in  the  neighbouring 
cove;  but  he  stumbled  instead  upon  firm  land,  and 
found  himself  feeling  his  way  upon  the  broad  highway 


378  THE    RECREATIONS    OF 

of  the  bridge.  And,  whilst  he  went  clumsily  along  in 
the  midst  of  men  and  animals,  his  presence,  though  a 
matter  of  astonishment  to  all,  was  felt  by  none;  but 
when  the  sun  shone  in  his  eyes,  and  he  raised  his  hand 
to  shade  them,  the  shadow  of  his  enormous  fist  fell 
amongst  the  crowd  with  such  careless  violence,  that 
both  men  and  animals  huddled  together  in  promiscu- 
ous confusion,  and  either  sustained  personal  injury,  or 
ran  the  risk  of  being  driven  into  the  water. 

The  King,  obser^dng  this  calamity,  with  an  involun- 
tary movement  placed  his  hand  upon  his  sword,  but, 
upon  reflection,  turned  his  eyes  on  his  sceptre,  and 
then  on  the  lamp  and  the  rudder  of  his  companions. 

"I  guess  your  thought,"  said  the  man  with  the 
lamp,  "  but  we  are  powerless  against  this  monster :  be 
tranquil ;  he  injures  for  the  last  time,  and  happily  his 
shadow  is  turned  from  us." 

In  the  meantime  the  Giant  had  approached,  and, 
overpowered  with  astoaishment  at  what  he  saw,  let  his 
hands  sink  down:  he  became  powerless  for  injury, 
and,  gazing  with  surprise,  entered  the  courtyard. 

He  was  moving  straight  toward  the  door  of  the 
temple,  when  he  felt  himself  suddenly  held  fast  to  the 
earth.  He  stood  like  a  colossal  pillar  constructed  of 
red,  shining  stones;  and  his  shadow  indicated  the 
hours,  which  were  marked  in  a  circle  on  the  ground, 
not,  however,  in  figures,  but  in  noble  and  significant 
effigies. 

The  King  was  not  a  little  delighted  to  see  the 
shadow  of  the  monster  rendered  harmless;  and  the 
Queen  was  not  less  astonished,  as  she  advanced  from 
the  altar  with  her  maidens,  all  adorned  with  the 
greatest  magnificence,  to  observ^e  the  strange  wonder 
which  almost  covered  the  whole  prospect  from  the 
temple  to  the  bridge. 

In  the  meantime  the  people  had  crowded  after  the 
Giant,   and,    surrounding   him   as   he  stood   still,  had 


THE    GERAUN    EMIGRANTS  379 

observed  his  tranHfonnation  witii  the  utmost  awe. 
They  thence  beut  their  steps  toward  the  temple,  of 
the  existence  of  which  they  now  seemed  to  be  for  the 
first  time  aware,  and  thronged  the  doorways. 

The  hawk  was  now  observed  aloft,  towering  over 
the  building,  and  carrying  the  miiTor,  with  which  he 
caught  the  light  of  the  sun,  and  turned  the  rays  upon 
the  multifarious  group  which  stood  around  tlie  altar. 
The  King,  the  Queen,  and  their  attendants,  illumined 
by  heavenly  light,  appeared  beneath  the  dim  arches  of 
the  temple:  their  subjects  fell  prostrate  before  them. 
When  they  had  recovered,  and  risen  again,  the  King 
and  his  attendants  had  descended  to  the  altar,  in  order 
to  reach  his  palace  by  a  less  obstructed  path ;  and  the 
people  dispersed  through  the  temple  to  satisfy  their 
curiosity.  They  beheld  with  astonishment  the  three 
kinffs.  who  stood  erect,  and  were  all  the  more  anxious 
to  know  what  could  be  concealed  behind  the  curtain 
in  the  fourth  niche ;  since,  whatever  kindness  might 
have  prompted  the  deed,  a  thoughtful  discretion  had 
extended  a  costly  covering  over  the  ruins  of  the  fallen 
king,  which  no  eye  cared  to  penetrate,  and  no  profane 
hand  dared  to  uplift. 

There  was  no  end  to  the  astonishment  and  wonder 
of  the  people,  and  the  dense  throng  would  have  been 
crushed  in  the  temple  if  their  attention  had  not  been 
attracted  once  more  to  the  court  without. 

To  their  great  surprise,  a  shower  of  gold  pieces  fell 
as  if  from  the  air,  resounding  upon  the  marble  pave- 
ment, and  caused  a  contest  and  commotion  amongst 
the  passers-by.  Several  times  this  wonder  was  re- 
peated in  different  places,  at  some  distance  from  each 
other.  It  is  not  difficult  to  infer  that  this  feat  was 
the  work  of  the  retreating  Will-o'-the-wisps,  who, 
having  extracted  the  gold  from  the  limbs  of  the  muti- 
lated king,  dispersed  it  abroad  in  this  joyous  manner. 
The  covetous  crowd    continued   their  contentions  for 


380      RECREATIONS  OF  THE  GERMAN  EMIGRANTS 

some  time  longer,  pressing  hither  and  thither,  and 
inflicting  wounds  upon  each  other,  till  the  shower 
of  gold  pieces  ceased  to  fall.  The  multitude  at  length 
dispersed  gradually,  each  one  pursuing  his  own  course ; 
and  the  bridge,  to  this  day,  continues  to  swarm  with 
travellers;  and  the  temple  is  the  most  frequented 
in  the  world. 


THE   END. 


